Although once again news media and governmental reports are bringing attention to Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ALCL, there is not any definitive relationship between having breast implants and developing this rare disease. One study found a lower incidence of this disease in a populations of women with breast implants then would be expected in the normal population. Questions? Post here and reciev a response from Dr. Maercks!
Below are two reviews published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery evaluating the data available and again drawing no conclusions that link ALCL and breast implants conclusively:
“1) Breast-ALCL has been reported in women with and without BI [deJong, 2008] and, 2) with and without a prior cancer history [Li, 2009]. The only case-control study examining an association between ALCL and BI to date [deJong, 2008] included 6/11 ALK-negative ALCL cases with no history of BI. Nine of 22 (41%) ALCL cases reported among patients with BI had a personal history of breast cancer (N=8) or lymphoma (N=1) [ Li, 2009]. 3) Authors concluded ALCL in the anecdotal case reports behaves indolently, and spontaneous resolutions have been reported; however, most patients with ALCL received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy [Roden, 2008]. 4) Device type in case reports is often unknown [Li, 2009]; reports have included saline- and silicone-filled devices [Li, 2009]. 5) Interval between implantation and ALCL diagnosis varies widely in the reports, between 1-23 years [deJong, 2008]. 6) Primary breast lymphomas may be difficult to definitively diagnose and distinguish from secondary involvement of disease originating elsewhere [ Domchek, 2002]. Five of 11 ALCL cases in the case-control study had disseminated disease with involvement of other sites providing uncertainty about the breast as the primary site [deJong, 2008]. 7) BI patients have been reported to have demographic and lifestyle characteristics which may influence their risk of certain cancers [Brinton, 2000]; the relevance of these characteristics to ALCL risk is unknown. 8) While no prospective epidemiologic studies have examined ALCL risk among BI patients to date, several have reported no significantly increased NHL risk [Lipworth, 2009].”
“RESULTS:
1) Breast-ALCL has been reported in women with and without BI [deJong, 2008] and, 2) with and without a prior cancer history [Li, 2009]. The only case-control study examining an association between ALCL and BI to date [deJong, 2008] included 6/11 ALK-negative ALCL cases with no history of BI. Nine of 22 (41%) ALCL cases reported among patients with BI had a personal history of breast cancer (N=8) or lymphoma (N=1) [ Li, 2009]. 3) Authors concluded ALCL in the anecdotal case reports behaves indolently, and spontaneous resolutions have been reported; however, most patients with ALCL received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy [Roden, 2008]. 4) Device type in case reports is often unknown [Li, 2009]; reports have included saline- and silicone-filled devices [Li, 2009]. 5) Interval between implantation and ALCL diagnosis varies widely in the reports, between 1-23 years [deJong, 2008]. 6) Primary breast lymphomas may be difficult to definitively diagnose and distinguish from secondary involvement of disease originating elsewhere [ Domchek, 2002]. Five of 11 ALCL cases in the case-control study had disseminated disease with involvement of other sites providing uncertainty about the breast as the primary site [deJong, 2008]. 7) BI patients have been reported to have demographic and lifestyle characteristics which may influence their risk of certain cancers [Brinton, 2000]; the relevance of these characteristics to ALCL risk is unknown. 8) While no prospective epidemiologic studies have examined ALCL risk among BI patients to date, several have reported no significantly increased NHL risk [Lipworth, 2009].
Back to Top | Article Outline
CONCLUSION:
Overall, the evidence regarding a BI- ALCL association is inconclusive.
©2010American Society of Plastic Surgeons”
Read more on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for their official ALCL response.
