The Anaplassic Lymphoma of large cells associated with breast implants (LACG-AIM) is a rare type of cancer of the immune system that affects tissues surrounding some breast implants. The most common symptoms are swelling and pain in the implant area. Now, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has confirmed 102 Cases of Anaplassic Lymphoma of Large Cells (LACG) associated with breast implants of a total of 137 notifications received through the health surveillance system between 2012 and 2024.
This data is part of the most recent report published by the agency, the fifth that is elaborated since it began to monitor this type of lymphoma in collaboration with medical societies and with the rest of the countries of the European Union. In the previous report, corresponding to 2024, 94 confirmed cases were counted.
The LACG related to breast implants-also known by its acronym in English BIA-ALCL-is an unusual subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can be developed in various tissues, including breasts, in people carrying these types of prostheses. Although most of those affected are recovered from LACG-AIM when it is detected in time and remove the implant and the surrounding scar tissue, In some cases the LACG-AIM can spread throughout the body.
The AEMPS has reported that, for the moment, a direct causal relationship between the implants and this lymphoma has not been scientifically established, nor has the origin of the disorder be determined with certainty. However, it points to a possible multifactorial origin in which three elements could influence: the type of implant, genetic predisposition and possible microbial contamination.
Most LACG-AIM cases are by textured implants
According to the data collected between 2021 and 2024, most of the confirmed cases (88 of 102) were related to textured surface implants, two with polyurethane prosthesis and in 12 there is no information about the type of roof. The report clarifies that this type of textured implants were the most used for years, which could explain its greatest presence in the cases detected.
The report also states that, in most cases, the lymphoma had a favorable evolution after the extraction of the implants and the surrounding capsule. However, some patients required complementary treatments, depending on the clinical stadium in which they were. Despite the generally benign character of the disorder, the health surveillance database has registered Four deaths associated with this disease.
Breast implants carry risks: from common complications such as breakage or contracture, to other more uncommon such as bia-alcl, and are not designed to last a lifetime
The communities that have reported more cases are Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia and the Valencian Community. The AEMPS has insisted on the need to continue investigating the origin and development of this type of lymphoma, as well as continuing to register new cases to more accurately evaluate the risk it can assume for those who have breast implants. To do this, remember that notifications can be done through the Notificaps portal.
Although breast implants are widely used in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, the organism warns that they carry risks: from common complications such as breakage or contracture, to more infrequent ones such as BIA-ALCL. It also emphasizes that they are not designed to last a lifetime and that They are likely to require replacement over timeso people who submit to these types of procedures must be well informed and advised before deciding.
In this context, the AEMPS has developed, together with different scientific societies, protocols updated in 2024 for the placement, monitoring and withdrawal of breast implants, both in increased interventions, and in reconstructions after mastectomy. These documents include detailed information for health professionals and for patients with the aim of guaranteeing safe and quality care.
Source: Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS)
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