Download PDF
Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica (RBCP) – Brazilian Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025; 40: s00451811966
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1811966
Artigo Original

Series of BIA-ALCL Cases in the Federal District, Brazil

Article in several languages: português | English

Authors



Financial Support The authors declare that they did not receive financial support from agencies in the public, private, or non-profit sectors to conduct the present study. Clinical Trials None.
Further Information
  Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Introduction

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma manifesting in women with breast implants.

Objective

To analyze cases of BIA-ALCL treated by plastic surgeons in the Federal District, Brazil.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study with patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, analyzing demographic data, implant features, treatment, and prognosis.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was of 45 years, and the mean time of implantation was of 8.3 years. All cases involved textured polyurethane implants. The most frequent initial symptom was seroma, and periprosthetic fluid aspiration with cytopathological analysis was crucial for the diagnosis. The treatment consisted of implant removal and capsulectomy in all cases. No patient required adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The overall prognosis was favorable.

Discussion

The findings corroborate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of BIA-ALCL described in the literature. Early symptom recognition and timely diagnosis are critical. Definitive diagnosis requires peri-implant fluid aspiration. Treatment with immediate implant removal and total capsulectomy was effective. We emphasize the significance of regular medical surveillance for women with breast implants.

Conclusion

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare but potentially-severe disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for a good prognosis. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to confirm the findings and deepen the knowledge about BIA-ALCL.

Keywords

Brazil - breast implants - implant capsular contracture - lymphoma, large-cell, anaplastic - polyurethane - seroma


Publication History

Received: 18 December 2024

Accepted: 20 May 2025

Article published online:
09 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda.
Rua Rego Freitas, 175, loja 1, República, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01220-010, Brazil

Bibliographical Record
Lana Gabriela de Sousa Silva, Bruno Peixoto Esteves, Jose Carlos Daher, Luanna Paula Afonso Itacaramby, Vitor Varjão Chiang, Saulo Francisco de Assis Gomes, Beatriz Zambon Villas Boas. Série de casos de BIA-ALCL no Distrito Federal, Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica (RBCP) – Brazilian Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025; 40: s00451811966.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1811966