Achieving Reliable Diagnosis in Late Breast Implant Seromas: From Reactive to Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Mar;143(3S A Review of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma):15S-22S. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005565.

Abstract

Late onset of fluid collection surrounding breast implants may represent a serious issue when considering the possibility of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a newly recognized type of T-cell malignancy. However, many other factors, including trauma and infections, may be implicated in the formation of non-neoplastic periprosthetic delayed effusions. An appropriate management of late seromas, consisting of ultrasound-guided fluid drainage, cultures, cytology, and immunocytochemical and T-cell clonality studies, should be performed to achieve a correct and prompt diagnosis of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Criticisms in the diagnosis of late peri-implant effusions are here discussed in detail.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Breast Implantation / methods
  • Breast Implants / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drainage / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Seroma / diagnosis*
  • Seroma / etiology
  • Seroma / therapy
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods

Substances

  • Ki-1 Antigen