Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma or BIA-ACL is an uncommon type of T-cell lymphoma that can very occasionally develop in the scar tissue capsule and fluid surrounding the breast implant. In some very rare cases, it may even spread throughout the body. It is curable, if in the uncommon situation where it occurs, it is diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Complete surgical removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule is the best option to cure it. In case the cancer spreads, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy may be needed.
Surprisingly, BIA-ALCL is a type of immune system cancer and not breast cancer. It generally grows slowly and in rare cases, it can be fatal. BIA-ALCL affects only a few people who have received textured breast implants. However, research is still undergoing to confirm those at risk and the level of that risk. Among the most common symptoms of the disease are a change in the size or shape of the breast. Other symptoms may include swelling, hardening, lumps, pain, itching, redness, a skin rash or abnormal and enlarged lymph node. Moreover, these changes may very occasionally occur as early as one year after you receive the implant (eg with an exchange) or many years later in more typical uncommon cases.
In case BIA-ALCL is suspected, your doctor will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. The specialist will also perform a physical examination and may schedule diagnostic tests. If the pathology results indicate BIA-ALCL, your healthcare provider will refer you to a cancer specialist. The oncologist may recommend surgery to remove implants and the entire surrounding scar tissue capsules. Since the disease is rare and relatively newly identified, many doctors do not have the experience in diagnosing and treating it. Therefore, you should take the time to carefully select the specialist that is right for you.
Top Qualities to Look for in a Specialist
Reputation:
To know the reputation of the specialist, you can ask other doctors, friends, and relatives. This way you can know what their experiences have been like. Besides this, convenience is also important, since if you were to require chemotherapy or radiation you won’t feel your best.
Right Expertise:
Ensure that the prospective doctor has the right training and experience. Choose a surgeon and an oncologist who specialises in breast cancer rather than treating other kinds of cancer. Your doctor should be intricately aware of BIA-ALCL, and relevant advances in medicine and provide you with up-to-date care.
Responsiveness:
It is important that the expert listens to you, takes your concern seriously, and explains things in a way you can understand. They must follow national guidelines. Pay attention to whether the doctor’s office staff are friendly, helpful, and accessible. If setting up your appointment and getting your questions answered is frustrating, they might not be worth choosing.
Finding the right doctor can be challenging, but the reward is worth it. When you work with specialists you can trust, reach, and engage with, it feels a lot better. If you are looking for a specialist for BIA-ALCL assessment and treatment, get in touch with Philip Turton. Mr. Turton conducts assessments for breast pain, seroma, lumps, family history of breast cancer, and other concerns. If breast cancer is diagnosed, all the necessary treatment can be undertaken by their dedicated multidisciplinary team. For more information, please visit their website.
