CUTANEOUS T-CELL LYMPHOMA IN ASSOCIATION WITH SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS

Background: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic malignancy o f helper T cells with the CD4 phenotype. It occurs less frequently in young women but is increasing in incidence for unknown reasons. Silico ne breast implants have been associated with T-cell-mediated autoimmun e reactions. Objective: Our purpose was to suggest the hypothesis that CTCL may arise after breast implants and that different patients with CTCL may be stimulated by different antigens. Methods: Investigators with many patients with CTCL were queried regarding the occurrence of CTCL in women after breast implants. Results: Three cases of confirmed CTCL after breast implants were identified and are reported. In one p atient with Sezary syndrome and CTCL, the disease went into remission after removal of implants, resolution of chronic staphylococcal infect ion, and initiation of photopheresis and interferon alfa therapy. Anot her patient had progressive disease. Conclusion: CTCL may occur in ass ociation with breast implants in young female patients, but causality is unknown. If CTCL is antigen driven, then it is likely to result fro m several different antigens in different groups of patients.