The key message is that there is no cause for alarm.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a very rare tumour. They are non-aggressive and slow to progress. Once removed the chances of recurrence is very low. There has been reports of a theoretical risk between the capsule around breast implants and these tumours. Worlwide there has been about 150 cases reported out of more than 15 millions cases of breast implant procedures. This puts the risk at 1 in 100 000, which is infinitesimally small, compared to the risk of breast cancer which is 1 in 10 amongst the general population.
BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) announced in May 2014 that there is no cause for alarm. BAAPS members have performed close to 80 000 breast augmentations in the last decade and not one case of ALCL has been reported. MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) has continued research into the possible link with breast implants and have not found reports of a disease association.
The American and French regulatory bodies have also carried out their analysis and have found no strong association.
There are many possible causes of unexplained changes or swelling around breast implants. it is important to be vigilant and any persistent symptoms should be investigated.
Mrs CC Kat is a leading Midlands Consultant Plastic Surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She is a full member of both British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and British Association of Aesthetic , Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS) as well as several international aesthetic surgery associations. She worked as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust but now runs her private practice, CC Kat Aesthetics – Birmingham Laser, Skin and Cosmetic Clinic, full time. For more information, visit www.cckat.com or call 0121 456 7930.
