Anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the setting of textured breast implant: a call for patients and physicians education
Zakhary, J.M.; Hamidian Jahromi, A.; Chaudhery, S.; Kim, M.
Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society Official Organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society 165(1): 26-29
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-6921 PMID: 23550394 Document Number: 670928
An anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) arising from the breast tissue is an extremely rare cancer possibly associated with breast implants. According to the FDA database, there are only approximately 60 reported cases of ALCLs in women with breast implants worldwide, and there is the possibility that some of those are duplicate reports of a single case. Here, we present a case of ALCL in a woman who had breast implants for more than 10 years. We discuss preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings, along with the histopathology features and the postoperative management. We suggest that the possibility of late presentation of ALCL be discussed with the patients when we offer and consent them for implant reconstructions following breast surgeries. Increased awareness of the patients and the physicians would make the diagnosis of this entity less of a challenge.