Breast-Implant–Associated Large Cell Lymphoma

Extreme rarity of this disease makes management difficult to plan, but supports the general safety of implants.

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with breast implants has received considerable media attention despite its extreme rarity (1 to 3 cases per million implant placements; JAMA 2008 Nov 5; 300:2030). By obtaining clinical follow-up from authors of all previous studies (and from other case consultations at MD Anderson Cancer Center), researchers identified 60 patients with implant-associated ALCL diagnosed from 1997 through 2012 (median follow-up, 2 years).

Implants were used for cosmetic reasons in 34 cases and reconstruction in 26 cases. The majority of patients (70%) presented with an effusion from the capsule around the implant; in 30% of cases, a distinct mass was also present. Median time from implant placement to diagnosis…

Reviewing Author

Henry M. Kuerer, MD

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)