Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Canadian Surgical Oncology Survey
Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Canadian Surgical Oncology Survey
Blog Article
Background:.Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) awareness has increased, resulting in concerns regarding the safety of implant-based reconstruction.Breast cancer patients are first seen by surgical oncologists, who are therefore potentially the first health-care professionals to encounter concerns regarding BIA-ALCL.We therefore surveyed surgical oncologists on their understanding of BIA-ALCL to better assess potential effects on plastic surgery practice.
Methods:.An anonymous web-based survey consisting of 9 multiple-choice questions was sent to breast surgical oncologists that are members of Sparklers the Canadian Society of Surgical Oncology (n = 135).Results:.Forty-two members responded (n = 42/135, 31%) and all participants were aware of BIA-ALCL.
All participants reported that BIA-ALCL has not deterred them from referring patients for implant-based reconstruction.Twenty-two respondents (52%) discuss BIA-ALCL with their patients and 21% (n = 9) believe that BIA-ALCL typically follows a metastatic course.Eight respondents (19%) reported having a poor understanding of BIA-ALCL, while 14% (n = 6) were unable to identify the link to textured implants.There were no statistical differences based on case-load volume.
Conclusions:.Approximately half of the respondent Canadian breast surgical oncologists discuss BIA-ALCL with their patients, yet there is a knowledge gap in terms of the epidemiology and clinical-pathological course of BIA-ALCL.It is of utmost importance to ensure that the plastic surgery community aims at including surgical oncologist colleagues in educational platforms regarding BIA-ALCL to ensure collaboration and unity in an effort to offer the most accurate information to patients, and Out Of Balance Lever prevent misinformation that may deter patients from seeking implant-based reconstruction.