Biopsy Results Are Not Sufficient to Exclude Breast Implant–associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Case Mistaken for Disseminated Silicosis

Abstract

Summary We present a case report of breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) that was mistaken as disseminated silicosis after multiple percutaneous biopsies. The correct diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was confirmed only after a pathologic examination of the capsulectomy specimens. A review of the literature of percutaneous biopsies of ALCL showed a diagnostic yield of only 63%. Although percutaneous biopsies may be facile to obtain and may be diagnostic, in our case, biopsies were not sufficient to exclude the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.

Primary Lymphomas of the Breast: A Review

“…BIA-ALCL presents as a rapid and persistent unilateral or bilateral breast swelling, often along with breast discomfort and rarely with type-B symptoms. 59 In most cases, BIA-ALCL presents as a yellowish effusion fluid that is found between the breast implant and periprosthetic fibrous capsule ( Figure 6 A) and can be detected by imaging techniques such as ultrasound computed tomography or positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) ( Figure 6 B). The effusion fluid is yellow in colour and opaque due to extensive tumour cell necrosis.…”