Despite breast cancer being common in women, breast implants do not increase the risk of it. However, there has been documentation of the possibility, albeit remote, of developing a rare form of lymphoma known as Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) linked to the use of textured breast implants. This lymphoma can start to form and accumulate in the scar tissue surrounding the implant within a period ranging from 6 months to several years after the procedure.

While there were doubts about this correlation some years ago, there are no longer any doubts according to the Scientific Committee on Health Risks of the European Commission (Scheer).

According to Scheer, one of the most significant risks for women who undergo breast implantation is indeed the development of this rare form of lymphoma, which occurs due to a chronic inflammatory reaction of the immune system with rapid and uncontrolled multiplication of a family of white blood cells (T-lymphocytes). It has been estimated that the lifetime risk of developing this disease is about 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 120,000 depending on the type of implant. To put this number into perspective, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in America. BIA-ALCL is therefore much rarer than breast cancer.

In the case of a confirmed diagnosis of BIA-ALCL, removal of the implant and any surrounding tissue accumulation is necessary.

In extremely rare cases, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be required for the remission of this condition.

Do you need more info? refer to MiniHospital “Sandro Pertini”

The specialists at MiniHospital “Sandro Pertini” will provide you with all the necessary information about the risks associated with textured breast implants before the surgery, so that you can make the decision that suits you best.

Furthermore, after the operation, you will be able to undergo follow-up checks at our facility to detect this disease early on in the remote event it occurs.