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Because other diseases and cancers of the breast can cause similar symptoms, breast implant-associated ALCL is often difficult to diagnosis. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

Common symptoms include:

• A spontaneous fluid collection in the breast, developing many months or years after receiving a breast implant
• Redness and swelling of the breast around an implant that is not from an infection

Less common symptoms:

• Contraction of the scar tissue capsule surrounding the breast implant

Other conditions with similar symptoms

These symptoms usually do not mean you have BIA-ALCL. Other conditions that share some of these symptoms include:

• Capsular contracture, in which scar tissue around breast implants becomes stiff and tight
• Delayed seroma, or a collection of fluid around a breast implant
• Breast cancer
• Infection

These conditions can be serious. Patients who have symptoms should see their doctor.

When to see a doctor

Women with a textured breast implant who experience any unexplained symptoms of BIA-ALCL should see a doctor right away.

What does BIA-ALCL feel like?

BIA-ALCL often feels like a lump or a tight, tense swollen breast.

BIA-ALCL risk factors

Having textured breast implants is the primary risk factor for BIA-ALCL. Implants with rougher textures may pose a higher risk.

Learn more about BIA-ALCL risk factors.

BIA-ALCL Screening

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

They should also undergo routine breast implant surveillance. This consists of an MRI or ultrasound of the breast five years after implant surgery, then once every three years afterwards.