Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Patients with breast implant–associated ALCL may do well without chemotherapy after capsulectomy and implant removal if the disease is confined to the fibrous capsule, and no associated mass or lymphadenopathy is present.[21-24] Most patients with breast implant–associated ALCL have a characteristic deletion at 20Q13.13 that may help to diagnostically distinguish it from cutaneous or systemic ALCL.[25]

Primary cutaneous ALCL is a distinct entity that is typically ALK-negative and has a very indolent/low-grade clinical course. Breast implant–associated ALCL almost always occurs with implants that have a textured surface (so-called macrotextured implants) that helps adhere to the breast. Warnings, suspensions, and bans of macrotextured implants have occurred worldwide. The risk of breast implant–associated ALCL is approximately 1 in 12,000 people, but this risk may rise with further follow-up.[26]