Breast Implant Concerns

BIA-ALCL stands for breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It is an uncommon cancer found only in patients with breast implants that have a rough surface. These implants are known as textured implants. When BIA-ALCL is caught early, it can be cured in most patients. BIA-ALCL is not a cancer of the breast tissue. Instead, it is located in the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant. This tissue is called the capsule. The disease is slow growing in most patients. BIA-ALCL may affect the lymph nodes, but it rarely spreads to tissues further away. Researchers are currently trying to understand BIA-ALCL better.

The most common symptom of BIA-ALCL is a swelling of the breast. This swelling develops over several years after a patient receives breast implants. On average, this swelling develops eight years after receiving the implant, but the range is 2-28 years. A lump in the breast or armpit may also appear.

Please refer to the ASPS website (link below) for additional information or come to the office for a detailed discussion.

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BII Stands for Breast implant Illness. The emergence of a group of women who present with a collection of systemic symptoms thought to be related to breast implants has been now collectively termed breast implant illness (BII). Symptoms can include: fatigue/low energy, cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, memory loss), headaches, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, recurring infections, swollen lymph nodes and glands, rashes, IBS, problems with thyroid and adrenals. There is no scientific evidence linking implants to any of these symptoms and there are no tests that can be done to diagnose BII. If a patient cannot find any reason for these symptoms aside from their breast implants, then it may be reasonable to have them removed. It is best to answer any questions during a face-to-face consultation, so we can discuss the patient’s goals and expectations for the procedure, and have a physical examination to determine if this is the right plan of action.

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