Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a case report with a history of spontaneously resolved late seroma

Abstract

We report a case of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which had a history of spontaneous resorption of late seroma before diagnosis. A 47-year-old woman with a history of augmentation mammoplasty with round textured implants in January 2013 presented with a swelling on her right breast 6 years later, which was diagnosed as late seroma with suspected intracapsular rupture using ultrasonography (USG). Although aspiration was not done at the time of the initial USG, the seroma resolved spontaneously within weeks. A further workup proceeded with USG-guided aspiration followed by magnetic resonance imaging. Cytology of the aspirated fluid showed atypical cells. Cell block cytology and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. En bloc resection with total capsulectomy and explantation was performed as curative surgery. Pathologic stage pT2N0M0 was confirmed and the patient was followed up without further treatment. Although the classic presentation of BIA-ALCL is known as late persistent seroma, an atypical manifestation such as spontaneous resorption may occur, as in the current case. A high level of suspicion and a thorough investigation with appropriate modalities will make it possible to detect this rare and potentially devastating disease.

Keywords

• breast implants
• lymphoma
• seroma