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I D Cancer Center
I D Cancer Center
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  • Breast Implant Associated Anapaestic Large Cell Lymphoma

Breast Implant–Associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL) Treatment in Lucknow | I D Cancer Center

Rare Lymphoma • Early Detection • Expert Oncology Care
At I D Cancer Center, Lucknow

Overview

Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma that can develop in the scar tissue and fluid around a breast implant.
It is not breast cancer, but a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Most cases occur in individuals with textured implants placed for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.
When diagnosed early and treated appropriately, outcomes are generally excellent.

At I D Cancer Center, we offer advanced imaging, expert pathological evaluation, and modern treatment approaches for safe and effective management of BIA-ALCL.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but factors linked to BIA-ALCL include:

  • Textured breast implants (high-risk factor)

  • Chronic inflammation around implant

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Bacterial contamination (biofilm theory)

  • Previous implant surgeries

Smooth implants have a much lower reported risk.

Common Symptoms of BIA-ALCL

Symptoms typically appear years after implant placement (average 8–10 years):

Early Symptoms

  • Breast swelling

  • Fluid collection around implant (late seroma)

  • Breast firmness or tightness

  • Asymmetry between breasts

Advanced Symptoms

  • Pain or discomfort

  • Lump around implant or in armpit

  • Skin rash

  • Capsular contracture

Any sudden swelling around an implant requires prompt evaluation.

Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

We follow a structured diagnostic pathway:

1. Ultrasound / MRI Breast

Evaluates fluid collection, masses, and capsule condition.

2. Fluid Aspiration

Seroma fluid is tested for:

  • Cytology

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC): CD30 positive, ALK negative

  • Flow cytometry

3. PET-CT / CT Scan

Used to assess extent of disease:

  • Capsule involvement

  • Lymph node spread

  • Rare distant spread

4. Biopsy

For any suspicious mass or lymph node.

All cases are reviewed in our Multidisciplinary Oncology Board.

Staging

BIA-ALCL staging (TNM-style) is based on:

  • Extent of fluid

  • Capsule involvement

  • Presence of mass

  • Lymph node or organ involvement

Early-stage disease confined to capsule has an excellent prognosis.

Treatment Options

1. Complete Surgical Removal (Gold Standard)

  • Removal of the implant

  • Total capsulectomy (removal of the scar capsule)

  • Removal of any mass

Most early-stage cases are cured with surgery alone.

2. Chemotherapy

Used when:

  • Disease has spread beyond capsule

  • Lymph nodes or organs affected

Common regimens include:

  • CHOP

  • Brentuximab vedotin (CD30-targeted therapy)

3. Radiation Therapy

Indicated for:

  • Residual disease

  • Mass not fully removed

  • Local control

I D Cancer Center uses:

  • IMRT / IGRT / VMAT

  • Image-guided precision targeting
    Ensures safe treatment while protecting surrounding organs.

4. Follow-Up & Surveillance

Regular monitoring includes:

  • Physical examination

  • Ultrasound or MRI

  • PET-CT (as needed)

  • Monitoring breast symmetry and symptoms

Long-term follow-up is essential.

Prognosis

When diagnosed early and treated with complete capsulectomy:

  • Cure rates exceed 90%

  • Most patients achieve full recovery

  • Very low risk of relapse in localized disease

Advanced disease requires multimodal treatment but is still treatable.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

  • Expert oncologist – Dr. Sunil Kumar

  • Advanced cancer diagnostics (USG, MRI, PET-CT)

  • Precision radiotherapy for capsule/mass involvement

  • Multidisciplinary tumour board planning

  • Timely diagnosis and compassionate patient counselling

  • Safe surgical coordination with plastic & onco-surgeons