Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature

Breast lymphomas, breast implants and capsules The timeline of BIA-ALCL with respect to surgical consent: the UK perspective

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of T-Cell (non-Hodgkin's) lymphoma associated with the use of silicone breast implants. Recent widespread awareness has focused not only on the management of this condition but also in regards to potential litigation of surgeons, clinics, and breast implant manufacturers. Allegations of causation and inappropriate patient consent are being raised. The purpose of this article is to establish the timeline of relevant discoveries regarding this condition and associated implications with regards to appropriate informed patient consent.

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Current Knowledge on Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a recently spotlighted T-cell origin non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with an increasing incidence of over 800 cases and 33 deaths reported worldwide. Development of BIA-ALCL is likely a complex process involving many factors, such as the textured implant surface, bacterial biofilm growth, immune response, and patient genetics. As the incidence of BIA-ALCL is expected to increase, it is important for all surgeons and physicians to be aware of this disease entity and acquire thorough knowledge of current evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are the foundations of current care.

Relapsed Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Refractory Fluid Collections With Low Uptake on FDG PET/CT Scan

ABSTRACT

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs years after placement of textured surface breast implants. Patients typically present after the development of pain, a palpable mass, or swelling. We present a case of a 45-year-old woman with recurrent breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma presenting as refractory fluid collections, and the unusual finding of low uptake on FDG PET/CT scan despite being confirmed by cytology.

Interleukin 17 and senescent cells regulate the foreign body response to synthetic material implants in mice and humans

Medical devices and implants made of synthetic materials can induce an immune-mediated process when implanted in the body called the foreign body response, which results in formation of a fibrous capsule around the implant. To explore the immune and stromal connections underpinning the foreign body response, we analyzed fibrotic capsules surrounding surgically excised human breast implants from 12 individuals. We found increased numbers of interleukin 17 (IL17)-producing γδ⁺ T cells and CD4⁺ T helper 17 (T_H17) cells as well as senescent stromal cells in the fibrotic capsules. Further analysis in a murine model demonstrated an early innate IL17 response to implanted synthetic material (polycaprolactone) particles that was mediated by innate lymphoid cells and γδ⁺ T cells. This was followed by a chronic adaptive CD4⁺ T_H17 cell response that was antigen dependent. Synthetic materials with varying chemical and physical properties implanted either in injured muscle or subcutaneously induced similar IL17 responses in mice. Mice deficient in IL17 signaling established that IL17 was required for the fibrotic response to implanted synthetic materials and the development of p16^INK4a senescent cells. IL6 produced by senescent cells was sufficient for the induction of IL17 expression in T cells. Treatment with a senolytic agent (navitoclax) that killed senescent cells reduced IL17 expression and fibrosis in the mouse implant model. Discovery of a feed-forward loop between the T_H17 immune response and the senescence response to implanted synthetic materials introduces new targets for therapeutic intervention in the foreign body response.

Understanding Silicone Breast Implant-Associated Complications for Radiologists

미용적 성형 및 유방암 수술 후 재건의 목적으로 사용되는 실리콘 보형물의 사용이 국내외에서 크게 증가함에 따라 진료 영역에서 실리콘 보형물 삽입술을 받은 환자들을 어렵지 않게 접하게 되었다. 기존에 알려져 있던 보형물의 파열이나 구축과 같은 합병증 외에 최근에는 유방 보형물 연관 역형성 대세포 림프종과 같은 악성 종양과의 연관성도 보고되면서 보형물 관련한 영상 검사가 증가하고 있다. 이러한 상황에서 영상의학과 의사들은 보형물 삽입술을 받은 환자에 대해 어떤 검사가 필요하고 어떤 영상 소견이 보형물 관련 합병증을 시사하는지에 관한 충분한 지식을 갖추고 있어야 할 것이다. 본 종설에서는 영상의학과 의사들이 알아야 하는 실리콘 보형물의 다양한 합병증과 이들의 영상 소견에 대해 다루고자 한다.

Analysis of Allergan's Biocell Implant Recall in a Major University Breast Center

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

In May 2019, Health Canada released a national recall of all macrotextured breast implants that later became international in July 2019 regarding increasing accounts of suspected breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. In Canada, this recall targeted Allergan’s Biocell implants. This report presents the postmortem of this comprehensive single-center recall, which had to be undertaken in a limited time.

Methods:

Four months after the beginning of the recall, the authors analyzed the transcript of meetings to characterize the team assembled during the recall. Then, to reconstruct the systemic work plan as well as the crucial steps and actors of the recall process, a chronologic table of the 5 meetings held during the recall, agendas and transcripts of every meeting, electronic correspondences, and other documents created during the recall were consulted.

Results:

Between 1996 and 2018, 1260 women were affected by the recall, meaning that they received Allergan’s macrotextured implants. Ninety-two patients underwent explantation of the device or will undergo implant explantation. To this day, no patient was diagnosed with breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Conclusions:

Our center’s experience highlights the utmost importance of building a national breast implants registry. We recommend breast centers to develop preestablished crisis centers and train staff to better prepare for future device recalls and minimize waste of time. Finally, we believe that implants should be identified based on the characteristics rather than their brand name.

Spontaneous Regression and Resolution of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Implications for Research, Diagnosis and Clinical Management

BACKGROUND

First described in 1997, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2016 as a specific disease. It typically presents as a late seromacontaining atypical, monoclonal T cells which are CD30+ and anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative. Until recently, it was thought that the disease was very rare. However, it is being diagnosed increasingly frequently with 56 cases confirmed in Australia by September 2017 and the estimated incidence revised from 1 in 300,000 to between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 patients with bilateral implants. There is debate about the spectrum of BIA-ALCL. According to the current WHO classification, BIA-ALCL is a cancer in all cases. Treatment guidelines require that it is treated urgently with a minimum of bilateral removal of implants and capsulectomies. Whilst acknowledging the disease has been under diagnosed in the past, with some notable exceptions the BIA-ALCL literature has given scant attention to the epidemiological evidence. Now that it is known that the disease may occur in up to 1 in 1000 patients with a median of 7.5 years from implantation to diagnosis, understanding it in its epidemiological context is imperative. The epidemiology of cancer and lymphoma in women with breast implants strongly suggests that most patients do not have a cancer that will inevitably progress without treatment but instead a self-limiting lympho-proliferative disorder. Although the possibility of spontaneous regression has been raised and the observation made that treatment delay did not seem to increase the risk of spread, the main objection to the lympho-proliferative hypothesis has been the lack of documented cases of spontaneous regression or resolution. Because all cases currently are considered malignant and treated urgently, only case report evidence, interpreted in the proper epidemiological context, is likely to be available to challenge this thinking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

New observations and interpretation of the epidemiology of BIA-ALCL are made. These are supported by the presentation of two cases, which to the best of our knowledge comprise the first documented evidence of spontaneous regression and spontaneous resolution of confirmed BIA-ALCL.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology of the disease strongly suggests that the vast majority of cases are not a cancer that will inevitably progress without treatment. The findings presented in the manuscript provide supportive clinical evidence. Consequently, an alternative view of BIA-ALCL with implications for research, diagnosis and clinical management needs to be considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma - a Systematic Review with Pooled Analysis

The association of breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was first described in 1997. Such an association has aroused public health concerns on breast implant safety. A systematic review was carried out with a pooled analysis of data. In total, 674 non-duplicate articles were retrieved; 77 articles were included for data extraction; 395 patients were identified for analysis. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 52 years. Implant texture was described in 201 (50.9%) patients; all 201 patients had a textured implant. The median time from the last implant insertion to diagnosis was 7.5 years. Most patients presented with seroma (67.1%, n = 265), 20.5% of patients presented with breast mass (n = 81). Patients with a breast mass at presentation, lymphadenopathy and those without seroma had more disseminated disease (P < 0.001). 73.2% of patients (n = 289) opted for primary surgery, among which 68.6% (n = 271) received removal of the implant, 61% (n = 241) received capsulectomy and 2% (n = 8) received mastectomy. Of note, 5.3% (n = 21) had reinsertion of an implant after primary surgery. Non-surgical modalities included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplant. The median follow-up interval was 2 years (range 0-14.5 years). Seventeen patients (4.3%) had recurrence of BIA-ALCL and 195 patients (49.4%) did not. The median duration to first recurrence was 1 year (range 1-3 years). Long-term clinical outcome was not reported in 183 patients. BIA-ALCL is an indolent disease that presents with seroma after implant insertion. A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic challenges and potential early indicators of breast periprosthetic anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) is a rare primitive lymphoma described in women with breast implant prostheses, which has been arousing interest in recent years due to its potentially high social impact. The difficult diagnosis associated with the high and increasing number of prosthetic implants worldwide has led to hypothesize an underestimation of the real impact of the disease among prosthesis-bearing women. The aim of this work is to search for specific radiological signs of disease linked to the chronic inflammatory pathogenetic mechanism.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This work describes a case of BI-ALCL in an American woman with no personal or family history of cancer, who underwent breast augmentation for esthetic purposes at our Institute. After about 10 years of relative well-being, the patient returned to our Institute with clear evidence of breast asymmetry due to the increase in volume of the right breast which had progressively become larger over a period of 6 months. There was no evidence of palpable axillary lymph nodes or other noteworthy signs.

DIAGNOSIS

The ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR) tests indicated the presence of seroma with amorphous material in the exudate which was confirmed by indirect signs, visible in right breast mammography. Due to suspected cold seroma, an ultrasound-guided needle aspiration was performed for the cytological analysis of the effusion which highlighted the presence of a number of large-sized atypical cells with an irregular nucleus with CD30 immunoreactivity, leucocyte common antigen (CD45) compatible with the BI-ALCL diagnosis.

INTERVENTIONS

In our case, a capsulectomy was performed because the disease was limited inside the capsule and periprosthetic seroma. The final histological examination confirmed the stage.

LESSONS

The patient is being monitored and shows no signs of recurrence of disease >24 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A diagnosis of BI-ALCL can be reached using new radiological indicators, such as fibrin, which is clearly visible by MR in the form of nonvascularized debris of amorphous material hypointense in all sequences, free flowing or adhered to the external surface of the prosthesis.

Silicone Induced Granuloma of Breast Implant Capsule (SIGBIC) diagnosis: Breast Magnetic Resonance (BMR) sensitivity to detect silicone bleeding

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity (S) of BMRI to detect silicone gel bleeding in a prospective observational study, including consecutive patients referred for BMRI scan.

Methods

From January 2017 to March 2018, we evaluated patients with breast implants referred for BMRI in a prospective observational study. For SIGBIC diagnosis, we adopted three new original imaging features: black drop signal; T2* hyper signal mass; and delayed contrast enhancement, considered as irrevocable signs to detect gel bleeding (GB). Histology confirmed the presence of a silicone corpuscle in breast implant capsular specimens. The accuracy of BMRI SIGBIC findings to predict GB was determined. We also compared SIGBIC diagnosis criteria to those features proposed by the BI-RADS léxicon, considered as equivocal findings.

Results

208 patients had SIGBIC diagnosis at BMRI, and the histology confirmed GB in all cases. There were no false-positive results. Compared to the BI-RADS equivocal findings (S = 0.74), SIGBIC criteria had better sensitivity for GB diagnosis.

Conclusion

SIGBIC diagnosis has high sensitivity to predict GB by the three irrevocable BMRI features described by the authors. We suppose GB is underdiagnosed in clinical practice by BI-RADS features.

Trial certification

Study protocol: Plataforma Brasil CAAE: 77215317.0.0000.0072.

Is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma a hazard of breast implant surgery?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) may occur after reconstructive or aesthetic breast surgery. Worldwide, approximately 1.7 million breast implant surgeries are performed each year. To date, over 500 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported around the world, with 16 women having died. This review highlights the most important facts surrounding BIA-ALCL. There is no consensus regarding the true incidence rate of BIA-ALCL as it varies between countries, is probably significantly under-reported and is difficult to estimate due to the true number of breast prostheses used largely being unknown. BIA-ALCL develops in the breast mostly as a seroma surrounding the implant, but contained within the fibrous capsule, or more rarely as a solid mass that can become invasive infiltrating the chest wall and muscle, in some instances spreading to adjacent lymph nodes, in these cases having a far worse prognosis. The causation of BIA-ALCL remains to be established, but it has been proposed that chronic infection and/or implant toxins may be involved. What is clear is that complete capsulectomy is required for treatment of BIA-ALCL, which for early-stage disease leads to cure, whereas chemotherapy is needed for advanced-stage disease, whereby improved results have been reported with the use of brentuximab. A worldwide database for BIA-ALCL and implants should be supported by local governments.

Characteristics and Treatment of Advanced Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) most commonly follows an indolent course; however, a subset of patients display more advanced disease marked by recurrent and disseminated growth refractory to treatment. This study evaluated outcomes of advanced disease, specifically bilateral disease, lymph node involvement, organ metastasis, and/or disease-related death.

METHODS

Published cases of BIA-ALCL from 1997 to 2018 and unpublished cases at the authors' institution were retrospectively reviewed, and patients with advanced disease were selected. Treatment and outcomes were compared against a control of BIA-ALCL subjects without advanced disease.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with advanced BIA-ALCL were identified who had bilateral disease (n = 7), lymph node and organ metastasis (stage IIB-IV, n = 24), and disease-related death (n = 8). Sixty-five patients were included in a comparison control group (stage 1A-1C). Treatment types for advanced disease patients were complete surgery, n = 16 (55.2%); limited surgery, n = 19 (65.5%); chemotherapy, n = 26 (89.7%); salvage chemotherapy, n = 11 (37.9%); radiation, n = 15 (51.7%); and autologous stem cell transplant, n = 6 (20.7%). The rates of complete remission for the bilateral and lymphadenopathy groups were 4 of 7 (57%, P < 0.001) and 16 of 24 (67%, P = 0.128), respectively. Compared with the control group, advanced disease patients had significantly longer time from diagnosis to definitive surgery (21 versus 8 months, P = 0.039) and a lower rate of complete surgery (59% versus 88%, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced disease BIA-ALCL may be a consequence of a delay or suboptimal treatment of BIA-ALCL. Optimal adjuvant chemotherapy and indications for radiation for BIA-ALCL patients with advanced features are not yet clearly defined. Advanced disease is the end of the spectrum of cancer stages, and these patients substantiate the World Health Organization classification of BIA-ALCL as a lymphoma rather than benign or lymphoproliferative.

Cosmetic reconstruction in breast cancer patients: Opportunities for nanocomposite materials

The most common malignancy in women, breast cancer remains a major medical challenge that affects the life of thousands of patients every year. With recognized benefits to body image and self-esteem, the use of synthetic mammary implants for elective cosmetic augmentation and post-mastectomy reconstruction continues to increase. Higher breast implant use leads to an increased occurrence of implant-related complications associated with implant leakage and rupture, capsular contracture, necrosis and infections, which include delayed healing, pain, poor aesthetic outcomes and the need for revision surgeries. Along with the health status of the implant recipient and the skill of the surgeon, the properties of the implant determine the likelihood of implant-related complications and, in doing so, specific patient outcomes. This paper will review the challenges associated with the use of silicone, saline and "gummy bear" implants in view of their application in patients recovering from breast cancer-related mastectomy, and investigate the opportunities presented by advanced functional nanomaterials in meeting these challenges and potentially opening new dimensions for breast reconstruction. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Breast cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide, which is difficult to prevent or predict, and its treatment carries long-term physiological and psychological consequences. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction addresses the cosmetic aspect of cancer treatment. Yet, drawbacks of current implants contribute to the development of implant-associated complications, which may lead to prolonged patient care, pain and loss of function. Nanomaterials can help resolve the intrinsic biomechanical mismatch between implant and tissues, enhance mechanical properties of soft implantable materials, and provide an alternative avenue for controlled drug delivery. Here, we explore advances in the use of functionalized nanomaterials to enhance the properties of breast implants, with representative examples that highlight the utility of nanomaterials in addressing key challenges associated with breast reconstruction.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a review

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a newly recognized provisional entity in the 2017 revision of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. It is an uncommon, slow growing T-cell lymphoma with morphology and immunophenotype similar to anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, the presentation and treatment are unique. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma often presents as a unilateral effusion confined to the capsule of a textured-surface breast implant, a median time of 9 years after the initial implants have been placed. Although it follows an indolent clinical course, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma has the potential to form a mass, to invade locally through the capsule into breast parenchyma or soft tissue and/or to spread to regional lymph nodes. In most cases, an explantation with a complete capsulectomy removing all disease, without chemotherapy is considered to be curative and confers an excellent event free and overall survival. Here we provide a comprehensive review of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, including history, epidemiology, clinical features, imaging and pathology findings, pathologic handling, pathogenic mechanisms, model for progression, therapy and outcomes as well as an analysis of causality between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Is Latin America Ready to Identify Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Breast Implants Patients? Regional Encounter During the National Plastic Surgery Meeting in Cancun, Mexico

INTRODUCTION

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with breast implants is receiving increased attention. Most cases have been reported in Europe, North America (USA and Canada), Australia and New Zealand. Fewer cases have been reported in Latin America (including Mexico), Africa and Asia.

METHODS

This report was delivered during our national plastic surgery meeting in Cancun in May 2017. Before the meeting, two participants reviewed the literature. The review was performed using the following information sources: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Fisterra, Google Scholar and LILACS, with entries from 1980 to August 2015 in several languages (English, Spanish, French and Portuguese). The results were revealed during the meeting to the other participants. The consensus was divided into two parts. The first part included an open-ended question regarding the incidence and prevalence of the problem. The second part included clinical scenarios with different items that were rated by the participants. After this activity, accordance among the responses was evaluated.

RESULTS

Seven cases were reported during the meeting (3 from Mexico, 3 from Chile and 1 from Argentina). Fifty percent of the participants reported consulting with guidelines and clinical centers to help with potential cases. Most agreed that further studies must be done in cases of chronic seroma where the capsule plays an important role.

DISCUSSION

A current debate exists about the incidence of this problem in Latin America because we did not report the same number of cases as Europe, Australia or North America. More studies are required to determine the differences among reports in Latin America.

CONCLUSION

Most representatives agreed that further studies must be done. Concern is increasing, and the problem is known. Other factors involved may be considered, and the problem must not be ignored.

NO LEVEL ASSIGNED

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Spontaneous Regression and Resolution of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Implications for Research, Diagnosis and Clinical Management

BACKGROUND

First described in 1997, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2016 as a specific disease. It typically presents as a late seroma-containing atypical, monoclonal T cells which are CD30+ and anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative. Until recently, it was thought that the disease was very rare. However, it is being diagnosed increasingly frequently with 56 cases confirmed in Australia by September 2017 and the estimated incidence revised from 1 in 300,000 to between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 patients with bilateral implants. There is debate about the spectrum of BIA-ALCL. According to the current WHO classification, BIA-ALCL is a cancer in all cases. Treatment guidelines require that it is treated urgently with a minimum of bilateral removal of implants and capsulectomies. Whilst acknowledging the disease has been under diagnosed in the past, with some notable exceptions the BIA-ALCL literature has given scant attention to the epidemiological evidence. Now that it is known that the disease may occur in up to 1 in 1000 patients with a median of 7.5 years from implantation to diagnosis, understanding it in its epidemiological context is imperative. The epidemiology of cancer and lymphoma in women with breast implants strongly suggests that most patients do not have a cancer that will inevitably progress without treatment but instead a self-limiting lympho-proliferative disorder. Although the possibility of spontaneous regression has been raised and the observation made that treatment delay did not seem to increase the risk of spread, the main objection to the lympho-proliferative hypothesis has been the lack of documented cases of spontaneous regression or resolution. Because all cases currently are considered malignant and treated urgently, only case report evidence, interpreted in the proper epidemiological context, is likely to be available to challenge this thinking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

New observations and interpretation of the epidemiology of BIA-ALCL are made. These are supported by the presentation of two cases, which to the best of our knowledge comprise the first documented evidence of spontaneous regression and spontaneous resolution of confirmed BIA-ALCL.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology of the disease strongly suggests that the vast majority of cases are not a cancer that will inevitably progress without treatment. The findings presented in the manuscript provide supportive clinical evidence. Consequently, an alternative view of BIA-ALCL with implications for research, diagnosis and clinical management needs to be considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Breast Erythema in a Patient With Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report Discussing Cutaneous Manifestations

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5

MBN 2016 Aesthetic Breast Meeting BIA-ALCL Consensus Conference Report

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon neoplasia occurring in women with either cosmetic or reconstructive breast implants. The actual knowledge about BIA-ALCL deriving from the literature presents several limits, and it remains difficult to make inferences about BIA-ALCL epidemiology, cause, and pathogenesis. This is the reason why the authors decided to organize an evidence-based consensus conference during the Maurizio Bruno Nava (MBN 2016) Aesthetic Breast Meeting held in Milan in December of 2016. Twenty key opinion leaders in the field of plastic surgery from all over the world have been invited to express and discuss their opinion about some key questions on BIA-ALCL, trying to reach a consensus about BIA-ALCL cause, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment in light of the actual best evidence.

How to prevent complications in breast augmentation

No high-level evidences about the best technique or the best implant to use for obtaining the best outcomes in aesthetic breast augmentation, with low complications and re-interventions rates exist from available literature. In this paper we present the actual best evidence about the etiopathogenesis of main complications in aesthetic breast augmentation, identifying some basic rules to follow in order to reduce complication rates in our daily activity, minimizing re-interventions, obtaining long lasting results and high women's satisfaction levels.

Understanding rare adverse sequelae of breast implants: anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, late seromas, and double capsules

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) is a distinct type of T-cell lymphoma arising around breast implants. The United States FDA recently updated the 2011 safety communication, warning that women with breast implants may have a very low risk of developing ALCL adjacent to a breast implant. According to the World Health Organization, BI-LCL is not a breast cancer or cancer of the breast tissue; it is a lymphoma, a cancer of immune cells. BI-ALCL is highly curable in the majority of patients. Informed consent should include the risk of BI-ALCL with breast implant patients. Women with breast implants are encouraged to contact their plastic surgeon if they notice swelling, fluid collections, or unexpected changes in breast shape. Physicians are encouraged to send suspicious peri-prosthetic fluid for CD30 immunohistochemistry, cell block cytology, and culture in symptomatic patients. An observation from reported cases indicates a predominance of textured device involvement. More information is needed to fully understand risk factors and etiology. The association of bacteria and biofilm with ALCL is currently being investigated and one theory is that biofilm may play a role in this disease process stressing the importance of best practice techniques intraoperatively. Recent studies have reported clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment outcomes with long term followup demonstrating the critical role for surgical management.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma associated with silicone breast implant, HLA-DRB1*11:01, and HLA-DQB1*03:01 manifesting as macrophage activation syndrome and with severe neurological symptoms: a case report

BACKGROUND

Silicone implants have been successfully used for breast augmentation and reconstruction in millions of women worldwide. The reaction to the silicone implant is highly variable; it can lead to local inflammatory symptoms, and sometimes to systemic symptoms and disease. Over 80 cases of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma have been reported in patients with silicone breast implants and have been accepted as a new clinical entity. To the best of our knowledge, an intravascular large B-cell lymphoma associated with a silicone breast implant has not been reported previously.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with high fever was found to have splenomegaly on physical examination. A laboratory diagnosis revealed pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperferritinemia. She developed signs of altered sensorium, hemiparesis, aphasia, and cauda equina syndrome. On further evaluation, she fulfilled the necessary five out of eight criteria for diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Dexamethasone administration was followed by prompt improvement; however, 3 days later she again manifested high fever, which persisted despite administration of immunoglobulin and cyclosporine A. Her silicone breast implant was considered a possible contributor to her macrophage activation syndrome and was therefore removed. A histological examination of the capsule tissue showed an extensive lymphohistiocytic/giant cell foreign body reaction suggestive of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants. However, the histological examination unexpectedly also revealed an intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic background of our patient with silicone breast implants might have predisposed her to three rare and difficult to diagnose syndromes/diseases: macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. The simultaneous manifestation of all three syndromes suggests causal interrelationships. Human leukocyte antigen testing in all women who undergo silicon breast implantation could in the future enable us to better evaluate the risk of potential side effects.

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Arising Adjacent to a Breast Implant

Breast implant–associated lymphoma has recently gained wide recognition. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the most frequently diagnosed subtype in this setting but the spectrum is broadening. A 66-year-old woman developed swelling and itch around her saline implant 6 years after its insertion. Imaging revealed a fluid collection surrounding the implant with an adjacent mass. Microscopy showed sclerotic tissue punctuated by discrete cellular nodules comprising small lymphocytes, eosinophils and interspersed large atypical Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS)-like cells. The HRS-like cells stained positively for CD30 and CD15 by immunohistochemistry. Small T-lymphocytes formed rosettes around HRS-like cells. Appearances were consistent with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Multiplex polymerase chain reaction demonstrated no clonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor genes, however, a t(14;18)(q32;q21)BCL2-JH translocation involving the major breakpoint region of the bcl2 gene was present. Staging positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan revealed FDG-avid masses in the right axilla and pelvis. Subsequent pathological examination identified low-grade follicular lymphoma (FL) with a t(14;18) translocation at these sites. To our knowledge, this is the first case of HL arising adjacent to a breast implant. An awareness of this diagnosis is important as classical HL, with its prominent mixed inflammatory background, may be overlooked as a reactive process when histologically assessing capsulectomy specimens. It is also important in the differential diagnosis for implant-associated ALCL as both contain large atypical CD30-positive cells highlighting the need for full immunohistochemical and molecular workup in such cases. This case also adds to the large body of literature regarding the association between HL and FL.

Complete Surgical Excision Is Essential for the Management of Patients With Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma that arises around breast implants. The optimal management of this disease has not been established. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of different therapies used in patients with BI-ALCL to determine an optimal treatment approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we applied strict criteria to pathologic findings, assessed therapies used, and conducted a clinical follow-up of 87 patients with BI-ALCL, including 50 previously reported in the literature and 37 unreported. A Prentice, Williams, and Peterson model was used to assess the rate of events for each therapeutic intervention.

RESULTS

The median and mean follow-up times were 45 and 30 months, respectively (range, 3 to 217 months). The median overall survival (OS) time after diagnosis of BI-ALCL was 13 years, and the OS rate was 93% and 89% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Patients with lymphoma confined by the fibrous capsule surrounding the implant had better event-free survival (EFS) and OS than did patients with lymphoma that had spread beyond the capsule (P = .03). Patients who underwent a complete surgical excision that consisted of total capsulectomy with breast implant removal had better OS (P = .022) and EFS (P = .014) than did patients who received partial capsulectomy, systemic chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management with complete surgical excision is essential to achieve optimal EFS in patients with BI-ALCL.

The In Vivo Pericapsular Tissue Response to Modern Polyurethane Breast Implants

Polyurethane breast implants were first introduced by Ashley (Plast Reconstr Surg 45:421-424, 1970), with the intention of trying to reduce the high incidence of capsular contracture associated with smooth shelled, high gel bleed, silicone breast implants. The sterilization of the polyurethane foam in the early days was questionable. More recently, ethylene oxide (ETO)-sterilized polyurethane has been used in the manufacturing process and this has been shown to reduce the incidence of biofilm. The improved method of attachment of polyurethane onto the underlying high cohesive gel, barrier shell layered, silicone breast implants also encourages bio-integration. Polyurethane covered, cohesive gel, silicone implants have also been shown to reduce the incidence of other problems commonly associated with smooth or textured silicone implants, especially with reference to displacement, capsular contracture, seroma, reoperation, biofilm and implant rupture. Since the introduction of the conical polyurethane implant (Silimed, Brazil) into the United Kingdom in 2009 (Eurosurgical, UK), we have had the opportunity to review histology taken from the capsules of polyurethane implants in three women ranging from a few months to over 3 years after implantation. All implants had been inserted into virgin subfascial, extra-pectoral planes. The results add to the important previously described histological findings of Bassetto et al. (Aesthet Plast Surg 34:481-485, 2010). Five distinct layers are identified and reasons for the development of each layer are discussed. Breast capsule around polyurethane implants, in situ for fifteen and 20 years, has recently been obtained and analysed in Brazil, and the histology has been incorporated into this study. After 20 years, the polyurethane is almost undetectable and capsular contracture may appear. These findings contribute to our understanding of polyurethane implant safety, and give reasoning for a significant reduction in clinical capsular contracture rate, up to 10 years after implantation, compared to contemporary silicone implants. A more permanent matrix equivalent to polyurethane may be the solution for reducing long-term capsular contracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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Silicone implants and lymphoma: The role of inflammation

The risk of hematological malignancies is mainly determined by genetic background, age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic location, exposure to certain chemicals and radiation; along with the more recently proposed immune factors such as chronic inflammation, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and infections. Paradigmatic examples include the development of lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome and Hashimoto thyroiditis, gastric MALT lymphoma in Helicobacter pylori infection, or lymphomas associated with infections by Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 8 (HHV 8) and leukemia/lymphoma virus 1 (HTLV-1). A growing number of reports indicates an increased risk of lymphoma, particularly of the anaplastic large cell (ALCL) type. The implants, specifically those used in the past, elicit chronic stimulation of the immune system against the prosthetic material. This is particularly the case in genetically susceptible hosts. We suggest that polyclonal activation may result in monoclonality in those at risk hosts, ultimately leading to lymphoma. We suggest that patients with an inflammatory response against silicone implants be monitored carefully.

Coming of Age: Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma After 18 Years of Investigation

Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIALCL) is a distinct clinical entity that can present in patients receiving either reconstructive or cosmetic breast implants. Presenting symptoms include onset of a delayed (>1 year after implantation) fluid collection, mass of the capsule, or lymphadenopathy. Treatment has progressed in recent years and most commonly includes implant removal and total resection of the tumor, including capsule, mass, and involved lymph nodes. Further research is warranted to determine potential malignant drivers, disease progression, and optimal treatment strategies in advanced disease.

Lymphomas Associated with Breast Implants: A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Recently there have been concerns raised about anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with breast implants.

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of this article was to review and analyze the published literature specifically for hematopoietic malignancies associated with breast implants and postulate a hypothesis for their etiology and pathogenesis.

METHODS

The PubMed database was searched using key words "lymphoma" and "breast implants" for published papers and abstracts on implant-associated hematopoietic malignancies.

RESULTS

The authors found 83 published cases reported of lymphomas associated with breast implants in the medical literature. The reported cases involved various subtypes of lymphomas and the majority were ALCL, of which 66 were confirmed as ALK negative; however there was no association with any particular type of implant. The more aggressive cases and reported low death rate appeared to be related to the presence of breast masses at the time of presentation rather than effusion. The remaining reports were occasional case reports of T-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the many thousands of women that have breast implants every year; the compiled data show that there is a very small risk of developing lymphoma. Increased awareness of association between implants and ALCL is needed globally and prospective patients considering breast implants should be fully informed of the risk. As the behavior of ALCL in these cases was indolent as compared with other primary breast lymphomas, it could suggest an abnormal reactive process.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3