Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in an Asian patient: The first case report from Thailand

Abstract

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has received increasing interest among plastic surgeons as a long-term complication of breast augmentation. Although the prognosis is usually good, mortality is a possible outcome. Most of the cases reported in the past two decades have been from the United States, Europe, and Australia, whereas cases of BIA-ALCL in Asia remain rare. Herein, we describe the first known case of BIA-ALCL in Thailand, in which a 32-year-old woman developed BIA-ALCL 3 years after breast augmentation using textured implants. The patient underwent bilateral removal of the implants and ipsilateral total capsulectomy. This case report—the first of its kind from Thailand—should increase awareness of BIA-ALCL among plastic surgeons in Asia. The true incidence of BIA-ALCL in Asia may be underreported.