Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?
A hematologist (a doctor who treats blood diseases) or a medical oncologist (a cancer doctor) usually treats anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Some people also see a dermatologist (a skin doctor) when the lymphoma is in the skin. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is anaplastic large cell lymphoma?
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, often called ALCL, is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system. The lymph system is part of your immune system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts when a white blood cell, called a T cell or B cell, becomes abnormal. ALCL is an aggressive cancer that usually involves the T-cells.
Doctors can identify ALCL cells by how they look under a microscope. The cells carry a tumor marker called CD30 or Ki-1.
There are two types of ALCL. One type affects mainly the skin (cutaneous ALCL). The other type affects other body organs (systemic ALCL). Systemic ALCL also has two types: ALK-positive and ALK-negative. ALK stands for anaplastic lymphoma kinase, a protein inside the cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the lymphoma is. The symptoms of cutaneous ALCL include red skin lesions that break open and do not heal. Cutaneous ALCL is also sometimes found in the lymph nodes.
The symptoms of systemic ALCL include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The cancer can be found in the bone, soft tissue, spleen, liver and skin. Other signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin.
- Weakness and tiredness that don't go away.
- Pain, swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
ALCL linked to a breast implant often shows up as sudden swelling of the breast, usually more than a year after the implant was placed. The breast may also be painful or have a lump.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of ALCL is unknown. Most of the time, doctors don't know why a person gets non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Having a weakened immune system or certain types of infections raises the risk.
One type of ALK-negative ALCL has been associated with breast implants. ALK-positive ALCL occurs more often in children and young adults. ALK-negative ALCL tends to occur in older adults.
How doctors diagnose it
ALCL is diagnosed by a biopsy of the tumor or abnormal skin and examination of the tumor cells under a microscope. A biopsy is when a doctor takes a small piece of tissue to look at.
To find out if the cancer has spread, doctors use tests like PET scans, CT scans, MRI, and a bone marrow biopsy. PET and CT scans make detailed pictures inside your body. MRI uses magnets to make pictures. A bone marrow biopsy checks the spongy tissue inside bones. A lymphoma check also includes a physical exam and blood tests.
Treatment
For ALCL that affects the body (systemic ALCL), the standard first treatment is chemotherapy with a mix of medicines called CHOP. Chemotherapy uses medicines that kill cancer cells. Treatment can also include targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.
When ALCL is linked to a breast implant, the main treatment is surgery to remove the implant and the scar tissue capsule around it. Chemotherapy is added if the cancer has spread beyond the capsule.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or chest pain that lasts two minutes or more. Also get checked if you have swollen lymph nodes that do not go away, fever, night sweats, or weight loss with no clear reason. Skin lesions that break open and do not heal should be checked by a doctor. Also see a doctor if a breast with an implant suddenly swells, hurts, or gets a new lump, even years after surgery.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Your primary care doctor can order blood tests and keep track of your results over time. They can also coordinate your care with the specialists who treat your lymphoma.
Common questions
Is anaplastic large cell lymphoma a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Yes. ALCL is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is an aggressive cancer that usually involves the T-cells.
What are the types of ALCL?
One type affects mainly the skin (cutaneous ALCL). The other type affects other body organs (systemic ALCL). Systemic ALCL has ALK-positive and ALK-negative types. ALK-positive ALCL occurs more often in children and young adults.
How do doctors diagnose ALCL?
Doctors diagnose ALCL with a biopsy of the tumor or abnormal skin. Then they look at the cells under a microscope. PET scans, CT scans, MRI, and a bone marrow biopsy can tell doctors if the cancer has spread.
Are breast implants linked to ALCL?
Yes, one type of ALK-negative ALCL has been associated with breast implants. It is treated with surgery to remove the implant and the capsule around it. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about breast implants.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- MedlinePlus - Lymphoma
- PubMed Central - Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma: Current Understanding and Recommendations for Management
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
