Several news sources recently reported that women with breast implants may be at increased risk of developing a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). These reports are based on recent studies that suggest an association between ALCL and breast implants. In order to adequately understand the recent reports, it is important to have some background information.
ALCL is an uncommon form of T-cell lymphoma and it has at least three different subtypes: 1) Systemic ALK-positive ALCL; 2) Systemic ALK-negative ALCL; and 3) Primary cutaneous CD30-positive ALCL. This latter form typically caries an excellent prognosis and is usually managed with locally directed therapy; i.e., surgery or radiation but not chemotherapy. Continue reading “Lymphoma in the News: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and Breast Implants”
New Developments in Lymphoma 