Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a recently recognised non-Hodgkin lymphoma of T-cell origin arising in the capsule of breast implants. Despite the low incidence of this new disease, the increasing use of breast implants for breast reconstruction and breast augmentation places BIA-ALCL as an emerging and compelling medical challenge.
We describe a case of a 59-year-old female who presented with a 3-month history of left breast enlargement and erythema without pain, 10 years after undergoing bilateral saline breast implantation for reconstruction post-mastectomy for breast cancer. Ultrasound revealed right peri-prosthetic fluid collection, breast mass, as well as enlarged regional lymph nodes (axillary, supraclavicular). Fine needle aspiration of the effusion was performed. The diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was made on evaluation by cytology and flow cytometry. Subsequently, the patient underwent bilateral mammary implant removal and capsulectomy.