Clinical Support Helpline – Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of cancer of the immune system. It usually involves a swelling of the breast, typically 3 to 14 years after the operation to insert the breast implant. This swelling is due to an accumulation of serous fluid. Less commonly, BIA-ALCL can take the form of a lump in the breast or in the armpit, pain or rash on the breast, armpit or elsewhere.
It is a rare condition with expert opinions estimating the published risk of BIA-ALCL at between 1-in-1000 and 1-in-10,000, however the risk of lymphoma appears to be highest for those implants with the greatest degree of surface texturing. The risk in highly textured implants is approximately 23 times greater than for smooth implants and the vast majority of BIA-ALCL are resolved by removal of the implant and the capsule surrounding the implant. By mid 2020, 107 cases of BIA-ALCL in Australian women had been reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).Project Aim
The aim of the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) is to coordinate with the Safer Care Victoria (SCV) and establish a dedicated helpline for Victorians who will receive individual notification of their potential risk for Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The purpose of the helpline is to provide callers with additional information on BIA-ALCL, discuss the risks and confirm whether medical review from their GP is required. It is envisaged that this helpline will be available from March 2021 for a 12-month period.