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BIA-ALCL is a type of T-cell lymphoma. T-cells are immune system cells that help activate the immune system and sometimes directly kill disease cells. T-cell lymphoma occurs when one of these cells mutates and starts multiplying rapidly.

While BIA-ALCL is in the breast, it is not considered a type of breast cancer.

Overall, BIA-ALCL is an uncommon disease. At this point, fewer than 5,000 women worldwide have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.

The disease responds well to treatment, and many patients only require surgery.

What causes BIA-ALCL?

There is evidence that the cancer is caused by inflammation around the textured surface of breast implants. These implants could be for breast augmentation or for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

Who gets BIA-ALCL?

BIA-ALCL is diagnosed in women with textured breast implants. In most cases, the implants have a rough texture.

The disease is not found in any other group. Patients can develop forms of anaplastic large cell lymphoma that are not associated with breast implants, however.

BIA-ALCL survival rates

The five-year survival rate for BIA-ALCL is more than 90%. In general, patients diagnosed early in the disease¡¯s development have the best outcomes.

Living with BIA-ALCL

Patients often have questions about how cancer will change their lives. Common topics include the following.

Daily activities: BIA-ALCL typically does not impact the patient¡¯s day-to-day activities in the long term. Most women diagnosed with the disease can continue daily tasks like working, driving and shopping. These activities may be disrupted for a short time by treatment, though.

Implant removal: The Food and Drug Administration has not recommended whether or not textured breast implants should be removed. Some women choose surgery to remove their implants. This is based on their personal risk factors for developing BIA-ALCL. Patients should talk to their doctor about whether removal is right for them.

Breast self-exams: Women with textured breast implants should conduct regular breast self-examinations. If they find any unexplained lumps or breast asymmetry, they should see a doctor right away.

Breast Implant surveillance: In addition to regular screening for breast cancer, women at risk for developing BIA-ALCL should undergo routine breast implant surveillance. This consists of a breast MRI or ultrasound five years after implantation, then every three years afterwards.

BIA-ALCL Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of developing a particular disease. The risk factors for BIA-ALCL are:

• Breast implants: Women with textured breast implants are at risk for BIA-ALCL. Implants with rougher textures may pose an increased risk.
• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations can increase a woman¡¯s chance of developing BIA-ALCL. These include changes to the p53 gene and the JAK gene.
• Time since implantation: Most cases of BIA-ALCL develop seven to 10 years after breast implant surgery.

Learn more about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma:

• BIA-ALCL symptoms
• BIA-ALCL diagnosis
• BIA-ALCL treatment