BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)

BIA-ALCL stands for breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Despite the name, it is not breast cancer. It is a cancer of the immune system, a type of T-cell lymphoma, that usually develops in the fluid or scar capsule around an implant. The most common sign is persistent swelling or a fluid buildup around the implant, often years after surgery. When caught early, it is often treated by removing the implant and surrounding capsule.

The risk has been tied most strongly to textured breast implants. On July 24, 2019, the FDA asked Allergan to recall its Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders, citing 573 unique BIA-ALCL cases worldwide and 33 patient deaths known at the time. Allergan agreed to the recall. The FDA's more recent medical device report data, current as of June 30, 2024, lists 1,380 reported cases in the U.S. and worldwide and 64 deaths.

BIA-ALCL led to lawsuits against Allergan, including a federal multidistrict litigation. Claims generally fall into two groups: people diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, and people with recalled implants who have not been diagnosed but want the cost of monitoring or removal covered. The second group has faced more difficulty in court, because many judges require a present injury.

If you have textured implants, the FDA does not recommend removing them if you have no symptoms, but it does recommend knowing your implant type. Your surgeon's operative report and implant card list the manufacturer and model. Our breast implant cancer lawsuit page tracks the litigation.