Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in axillary lymph nodes – a case report and review of 29 other cases from world literature

Abstract

Introduction. Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALC) is a new disease established by the WHO in 2016. BIA-ALCL is one of the most severe adverse effects of breast augmentation or breast reconstruction with the use of silicone implants. Material and methods. In our report we present a case of a 46-year-old patient diagnosed with BIA-ALCL in the General and Oncological Surgery Clinic of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. This is one of the first described cases of this disease in Poland. Especially interesting is the fact that the lymphoma developed two years after the removal of the implants and the pathology occurred in the axillary lymph nodes. In order to compare the published case of BIA-ALCL we reviewed 29 cases from literature. Results. We described the most clinically relevant factors. The age range of females analysed with diagnosed BIA-ALCL is between 27 to 87 years. The time from implant insertion to the appearance of the first symptoms varies. The use of textured implants seems to be one of the most important risk factors of novel lymphoma. Conclusions. The patients with breast implants should be informed about the risk of BIA-ALCL and related symptoms. The number of articles about BIA-ALCL is minimal, therefore knowledge about the disease remains limited. There is a need to broaden knowledge about the pathological process, clinical manifestations, risk factors and medical tests crucial to achieve an accurate diagnosis.