Breast implant associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma: a latent relapse as peritoneal and pleural effusion.

Abstract

Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) typically presents with a unilateral effusion around the implant, and may involve regional lymph nodes in ~20% of cases. Surgical excision of the capsule and involved regional lymph nodes is an effective treatment, achieving a 5 year overall survival in ~100% of patients with effusion only, albeit much lower in those with disease beyond the capsule (84%) and involving the regional lymph node (75%).1 Here, we report a case of localised BIA-ALCL, who was treated by capsulectomy, remained disease free for 7 years before presenting with relapse as peritoneal and pleural effusion.