BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC: Understanding Breast Implant-Associated Cancers

BIA-ALCL: What You Need to Know About Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) is a type of immune system cancer that develops in the scar tissue capsule surrounding a breast implant. It is important to understand that BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. Instead, it is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that occurs in the immune cells. This cancer has been most strongly linked to textured breast implants, rather than smooth implants. 

Symtoms of BIA-ALCL

• Breast swelling

• Breast pain

• Seroma/fluid buildup around the breast implant

• Redness

• Changes in breast sensation

• Lumps in the breast or armpit

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Itching on or around the breasts

• Breasts becoming asymmetrical or changing in appearance

• Skin rash on or around the breasts

• Breast hardness

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Night sweats

How Common Is BIA-ALCL? Understanding the Risk of BIA-ALCL

Many plastic surgeons sadly advise their patients that Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is extremely rare and that they shouldn’t be worried. However, if you have breast implants, you are at risk of developing this cancer. Additionally, no one knows how many women that will be diagnosed in the next ten, twenty, or thirty years, not even the surgeon that tells the patients not to worry — only time will tell.

As of May 30, 2025, the FDA has confirmed 1,618 worldwide cases of BIA-ALCL, with at least 64 reported deaths. In Sweden, there have been at least 7 confirmed cases, including 2 deaths. Official reports suggest fewer than 5 cases are reported annually in Sweden, but exact numbers are hard to pin down due to inconsistent diagnosis and reporting — sometimes BIA-ALCL is mistakenly classified as breast cancer, leading to underreporting. This misclassification is a significant concern in tracking the disease accurately.

Changing Risk Estimates Over Time

Back in 2015, the risk of developing BIA-ALCL was estimated as low as 1 in 500,000 to 1 in 3 million women with implants. Today, new data suggests the risk is higher and still evolving as research continues.

• Globally, risk estimates range from about 1 in 3,800 to 1 in 30,000 women with breast implants.

• Some studies, like those from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, report a risk as high as 1 in 355 women with textured implants.

Who Is at Risk for BIA-ALCL?

The risk of BIA-ALCL has shifted in recent years, and while many surgeons still emphasize its rarity, cases are clearly increasing worldwide. Experts at the 2019 BIA-ALCL conference in Rome highlighted ongoing concerns and shared the latest statistics.

The highest risk is among individuals with textured breast implants rather than smooth-surfaced implants. The rough surface of textured implants is believed to cause more friction and chronic inflammation in surrounding tissues, which can trigger an immune system reaction that, in rare cases, develops into BIA-ALCL.

Most cases appear after 7 to 10 years post-implantation, but symptoms have been reported as early as 1 year after surgery and as late as 20+ years.

Important Facts to Remember

👉 BIA-ALCL is caused by breast implants — it does not occur spontaneously.
👉 Early detection and proper treatment can save lives.

Anyone with breast implants — whether for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons—should be aware of BIA-ALCL risks. If you experience symptoms linked to BIA-ALCL, seek medical care immediately. Don’t wait.

What Causes BIA-ALCL?

BIA-ALCL likely develops due to chronic inflammation caused by the body’s reaction to breast implants, especially textured ones. The textured surface increases friction against the surrounding tissue, irritating the immune system over time. This ongoing immune activation may cause genetic changes in T-cells, leading to this rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Research indicates multiple factors may contribute to disease development, including:

• Textured implants: Higher surface texturing correlates with increased risk, though some cases involve smooth implants.

• Bacterial biofilm: Bacteria can form a biofilm on implants, causing continuous immune stimulation and increasing BIA-ALCL risk.

• Genetic susceptibility: Some individuals are genetically more prone to chronic inflammation.

• Long-term inflammation: Persistent inflammation in the fibrous capsule around the implant.

• Implant duration: The longer the implants are in place, the greater the risk appears to be.

For more detailed information, you can follow this link: PMC National library of medicine.

Where to Seek Help If You Think You Might Have BIA-ALCL

If you suspect you may have Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), it’s important to act quickly and get the right medical evaluation.

• Contact your surgeon or the clinic where you had your breast augmentation. The responsible surgeon can examine you and, if necessary, refer you for further testing. Some clinics have ultrasound equipment on-site, allowing them to check for fluid buildup around the implant. For example, Strandkliniken in Stockholm.

• You can also reach out directly to a breast clinic (breast center) to describe your symptoms and concerns. In some cases, you may receive help right away. Unfortunately, many clinics require a referral, which means you’ll first need to contact your primary care provider or local health center for an initial evaluation.

• Contact your regular doctor or primary care provider. They can assess your symptoms and, if needed, refer you to a breast clinic for specialized care.

Being informed and aware of the symptoms is key to getting the right diagnosis and treatment in time.

Why Awareness Matters

At breastimplantillness.se, the goal is to raise awareness about breast implant-related cancers so that every individual understands the potential risks and side effects of breast implants. This knowledge empowers women to make informed decisions about their bodies — and to stay alert for possible warning signs.

The reality is that getting breast implants, regardless of the type, carries a risk of developing BIA-ALCL. Statistics fluctuate year to year, but the trend is upward — and that’s concerning. Surgeons around the world acknowledge that we do not yet know how many people will eventually be diagnosed over time. Some even describe it as a “ticking time bomb.” What we do know is that the longer you have implants in your body, the greater the risk appears to be. And with more people getting implants every year, the number of cases is expected to rise.

That’s why it’s so important for anyone with breast implants to know the symptoms of BIA-ALCL and seek medical help promptly — early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of survival.

Don’t Ignore Your Instincts

If you suspect you may have BIA-ALCL, seek medical help immediately. The sooner you receive the correct diagnosis, the sooner you can get the treatment you need.

If a surgeon or healthcare professional dismisses your concerns — telling you that BIA-ALCL is too rare for you to possibly have it — but you still feel  that something is wrong, my strongest advice is this: seek a second opinion and don’t give up. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.