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Breast Implant Associated to Lymphoma

According to studies, breast implants have helped many women gain back their self-esteem and have a feeling of satisfaction. Breast implants bring positive effects on women who once had lost their confidence, but women should also be aware of what breast implants are being attributed to that can result in major health complications.

A type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is found in fluid and scar tissues as a result of an implant. BIA-ALCL does not cause breast cancer, but it can lead to cancer of the immune system if not caught and addressed early.

Symptoms of Lymphoma
BIA-ALCL presents itself in several signs and symptoms. The medical health fields urge women that if they are experiencing one or more of these symptoms to seek advice from a medical expert.


-Increase in size of breast that is two to three times its size.
-Constant pain and swelling around the implant.
-A fluid collection which can be noted by a medical professional upon investigation.

In most cases, BIA-ALCL doesn’t present itself immediately after implant but can take two to 20 years after implant. The manifestation period of BIA-ALCL is not precise due to the genetic difference of each.

Treatment for BIA-ALCL
Since 2011, the FDA has been collecting data and evaluating medical reports on device, medical literature, sharing information with scientific experts and international regulators to come up with a reasonable solution to ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma). The FDA and World Health Organization (WHO) is working together to assist physicians in understanding the condition broadly and aiding in the treatment of BIA-ALCL.

Even though there are other treatments of BIA-ALCL, the only lasting solution is the complete surgical removal of the implant and tissues surrounding it. Other procedures have not yielded much success when compared to surgical removal.