The importance of a correct diagnosis in breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: Case report

Abstract

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare neoplasm responsible for 0.04% to 0.5% of all cases of breast disease. It occurs in patients with a previous history of breast implants that generally progress without complications during the first years of post-operatory and is mainly associated with macro-textured implants. Due to its low incidence, it does not represent the first probable diagnosis in patients with a breast tumor. This article reports the case of a patient with BIA-ALCL initially treated as a Hodgkin's lymphoma. We emphasize the importance of a correct and complete diagnosis by immunohistochemistry before imaging in patients that develop a breast tumor associated with the prosthetic capsule after breast implant surgery and its adequate treatment, including surgery.