BIA-ALCL Physician Resources
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. BIA-ALCL occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. The current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL is estimated to be 1:2,207-1:86,029 based upon variable risk with different manufacturer types of textured implants. Since the initial case report in 1997, ASPS now recognizes approximately 389 both suspected and confirmed cases in the US and a total of 1,216 worldwide as of June 2022.
Most of the patients who have developed BIA-ALCL receive an excellent prognosis following surgical removal of the breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue capsule. Continued follow-up after any breast implant surgery is suggested and important for patient health, but patients who notice pain, lumps, swelling, fluid collections or unexpected changes in breast shape, including asymmetry, should contact their plastic surgeon. In most cases, women diagnosed with BIA-ALCL observed changes in the look or feel of the area surrounding the implant greater than one year after their initial surgical sites were fully healed, and on average eight to ten years after receiving textured implants.
Patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures, aesthetic or reconstructive, should be thoroughly informed of the potential risks and possible complications known to be associated with the procedure, and any device used in that procedure. In the cases where a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL is made, surgical treatment is essential for the management of the disease. Some patients with more advanced disease may require further treatment such as chemotherapy.
FDA updates website on BIA-ALCL
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) would like to make members aware of a recent safety communication update to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website regarding breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
The August 20, 2020, FDA website update acknowledges that while it remains difficult to determine the exact number of BIA-ALCL cases, after thorough review there have now been 733 unique confirmed cases worldwide which included 36 known deaths. Majority of these cases involved a textured device at the time of BIA-ALCL diagnosis or demonstrate a clinical history of a textured device at some time prior. The update also confirms that both silicone gel and saline implants have been reported in cases of BIA-ALCL. The FDA noted that a majority (481 reports) of cases were associated with Allergan breast implants and therefore requested a voluntary recall of Allergan Biocell surface devices within the US. Allergan subsequently responded with a worldwide recall of their Allergan Biocell textured implants and expanders. FDA advises that patients who have no symptoms, removal of these or other types of breast implants is not recommended, due to the low risk of developing BIA-ALCL. However, if you have any questions, talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon.
As of June 2022, 389 suspected/confirmed U.S. cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported to the Patient Registry and Outcomes For breast Implants and anaplastic large cell Lymphoma Etiology and Epidemiology (PROFILE) Registry, a joint collaboration between ASPS, PSF and the FDA.
The FDA's website update confirms previous ASPS communications, noting that BIA-ALCL remains an uncommon disease that occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. The report also reiterates that patients should discuss with their health-care provider the benefits and risks of textured-surface versus smooth-surface implants. The FDA highlights the World Health Organization recognition of BIA-ALCL, and standardized diagnosis and treatment guidelines established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
The FDA recommends that all cases of BIA-ALCL be reported to the FDA and to the PROFILE Registry.
For more information on BIA-ALCL, visit PlasticSurgery.org/ALCL or the FDA website.
ASPS is committed to patient safety, advancing quality of care and practicing medicine based upon the best available scientific evidence. We will continue to monitor and review all new information as it becomes available to keep the plastic surgery community informed.
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Last updated on January 13, 2021.