"ALCL (Anaplastic large cell lymphoma) is a very rare disease, found in approximately one in 30,000 patients. So, while there is a lot of hype about it right now, and while I think it is important that women are aware of it, it is also creating a lot of panic for a disease that is quite uncommon.
First of all, it affects only people who have textured implants — implants that have a little pebbling on the outside. The theory is that after seven or eight years contamination can occur, some over reactive immune response occurs, a fluid film forms and that is the beginning of the disease.
The good news is that there is a symptom. So at that time when the disease is just developing, women usually have pain and swelling. And that is the important thing for patients to know.
It's difficult because if you hear that a devise is recalled, it seems to you in your head that they should be removed from your body, but right now, they are not recommending that. They are recommending that if you are happy with your result, see your plastic surgeon every year, and know the potential symptoms. If you have any swelling, see your doctor."
This post should not replace the advice of your physician. Please speak with your breast surgeon for your best course of treatment.
Additional resources on ALCL
My colleague Jeffrey Kenkel, M.D. at UT Southwestern Medical Center offers:BIA-ALCL - 5 questions and answers about a cancer linked to breast implants
American Society of Plastic Surgeons info page:
Breast Implant Associated Anapestic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
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