ALCL is a rare type of cancer that has been linked to certain types of textured implants.
In recent years, a correlation has been discovered between textured breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, in a condition known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
ALCL is a type of cancer, but it is not breast cancer. It’s a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) that can develop in the scar tissue around a breast implant. ALCL has been identified in cases with certain textured breast implants. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has requested a recall of these implants (Biocell implants by Allergan). While other implant manufacturers are still producing some textured implants, Dr. Smith has stopped using these implants models.
While replacement of textured breast implants is not recommended by the FDA unless there are symptoms (e.g. swelling, lumps or pain), some women feel more comfortable reducing their risk of developing BIA-ALCL. Women who have textured breast implants have the option of removing those implants and either replacing them with new, smooth implants or converting to natural tissue reconstruction.
ALCL typically presents with a range of symptoms that include swelling around the breast area, pain, new asymmetry between the breasts, a lump in the breast or armpit, skin rash, or the breast becoming hard.
Treatment for ALCL involves removing the breast implant and any surrounding cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be part of a treatment plan.
No. The risk of ALCL is increased with textured implants, but it is still thought to be very low at less than 0.05% of patients, and it is not certain that you will develop the disease.
You would be able to switch to a smooth implant. Smooth implants come in a range of shapes, sizes, and profiles. They can be filled with silicone or saline. Although the risk of ALCL with smooth implants is still not zero, it is thought to be much less than with a textured implant.
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