ABSTRACT
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an extremely rare disease. Is a new nosologic entity with a multifactorial origin and a wide occurrence delay after breast implantation. This article reports the case of a 60 years old patient with a progressive swelling of the right breast after aesthetic breast implants. Diagnostic was delayed because first surgeon was not familiar with the disease. Patient was then referred to us for management. We performed an implant removal and a complete capsulectomy. Pathologic report confirms the diagnostic. After one year and normal ultrasound evaluation, we reconstructed the breast with lipomodeling and mastopexy. Contralateral implant was also removed at time of reconstruction. Vast majority of breast implant-associated ALCL occurs at a time lapse of 11 to 15 years after implant augmentation, with a mean age of 63 years. Among the worldwide 173 cases reported in March 2015, smooth implants seem not to be at risk but 80% of cases were associated with macrotexturized implants. Clinical presentation and diagnostic tools are more and more published but there is to date no recommendation concerning reconstruction delay after implant removal for this pathology. We advise the realization of a breast ultrasound every three months during the first year and wait for a one-year period before reconstruction. In case of aesthetic surgery, mastopexia can be done to allow for glandular shaping. Lipomodeling is an excellent technique to correct the lack of volume due to implant removal. In case of reconstructive setting, implant can be replaced by flap procedure with lipomodeling if needed or lipomodeling alone if recipient site is favorable and patient has enough fat tissue. Contralateral implant should be removed during reconstruction time.
