Perspective from the United Kingdom on Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

• Published in: Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum Vol. 1; no. 1
• Main Author: Mercer, Nigel S G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 27-02-2019
• ISSN: 2631-4797; 2631-4797
• DOI: 10.1093/asjof/ojz003

Abstract
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare disease known to be associated with textured breast implants. The most up-to-date incidence in the United Kingdom is 1:24,000 and 45 confirmed cases have been reported since the first UK case was reported in 2012 and there has been one confirmed death as a result of BIA-ALCL. How the regulatory framework in the United Kingdom works and shapes the information, which must be given by surgeons to patients contemplating breast augmentation, for any reason, is discussed. In addition, the approach to informing patients with breast implants in situ is discussed. It is surgeons’ duty to inform all prospective patients that there is a risk of BIA-ALCL. Not to do so in the United Kingdom would be likely to leave surgeons open to legal action by patients who develop the disease.