Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ASPS Patient Summary)
The plastic-surgery society's patient summary of BIA-ALCL — a cancer of the immune system (not breast cancer) linked mainly to textured implants and usually curable when caught early.
View original source ↗What this source says
ASPS explains BIA-ALCL is a cancer of the immune system, not breast cancer; it occurs most frequently with textured implants (with no confirmed cases involving only smooth implants); it is curable in most patients when caught early with rare recurrence after removal; and women with unexplained breast swelling, asymmetry, fluid, or lumps should see a physician for exam and imaging (ultrasound or MRI).
Why it matters
A patient-friendly companion to the FDA's BIA-ALCL page — including the warning signs that should prompt evaluation.
Key findings
- “This is a cancer of the immune system, not a type of breast cancer.”
- It occurs most frequently with textured-surface implants; no confirmed smooth-only cases.
- “When caught early, BIA-ALCL is curable in most patients,” with rare recurrence after removal for early cases.
- Unexplained swelling, asymmetry, fluid buildup, or lumps should prompt exam and imaging (ultrasound or MRI).
Limitations
Professional-society patient summary; check the FDA site for the latest case counts.
What this does not prove
It does not apply the same risk to smooth implants, and it is separate from the systemic-symptom (BII) question.
Source / citation
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) · Accessed September 2, 2026
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety/bia-alcl-summary
Last reviewed against the original source: 2026-09-02. Summaries are written in plain language; the original source is authoritative.
Breast Implant Illness Tracker provides education and organizational tools only and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment.