What is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

What is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (abbreviated as BIA-ALCL) is a rare form of T-cell lymphoma that occurs in some people who have had breast implants. It is not breast cancer but rather is a cancer of the immune system. The disease may affect a very small number of women who have received breast implants, primarily of the textured (rough) type. The lymphoma occurs in the scar tissue (fibrous capsule) that surrounds the implant and in more advanced cases may spread to lymph nodes that are near the breast.

BIA-ALCL generally progresses slowly. Usually, it can be treated by surgically removing the breast implant or implants and scar tissue. However, in rare cases when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in other parts of the body, it may be fatal.