April 06, 2020 - What are the Dangers of Recalled Allergan Breast Implants? The FDA recently asked Allergan to recall certain textured breast implants, including some BIOCELL and Natrelle implants. The recall was instigated due to an increased risk of cancer among women with these recalled textured breast implants. The FDA found that women with these recalled textured breast implants have an increased risk of developing a type of breast cancer known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL.
According to the FDA, the textured surface—which is unique to Allergan breast implants—is tied to more than 500 cases of BIA-ALCL, which is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Twelve deaths from BIA-ALCL involved an Allergan textured breast implant. BIA-ALCL attacks the body’s immune system and may not be diagnosed for years following implantation—from two years to twenty-eight years.
It is not entirely clear why these textured breast implants are causing this type of cancer. It is theorized that the texture of the shell surrounding the implant could trigger the lymphoma response of the body. In most cases of BIA-ALCL, the lymphoma cancer is limited to the scar tissue and fluids surrounding the implant, however the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, and even throughout the body. Patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL may required chemotherapy or radiation, however when the disease is caught early, the prognosis is usually favorable.
Between ten and thirteen percent of all breast implants sold in the United States are textured. Although textured breast implants are usually used in reconstructive breast surgeries after a mastectomy, the implants are also sometimes used in cosmetic procedures. According to the FDA, these recalled textured breast implants give women six times the risk of being diagnosed with BIA-ALCL as a similar product from another manufacturer.
Textured breast implants cancer is known as anaplastic large t-cell lymphoma, anaplastic t-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. Symptoms associated with ALCL breast cancer include pain and swelling around the implant, as well as lumps in the breast or lumps under the armpit. Any symptom of BIA-ALCL among a woman who has the Allergan recalled textured breast implants warrants immediate medical assistance. The FDA is currently advising that women with no symptoms should not rush to have the textured breast implants removed.
Could You Benefit from the Assistance of a Recalled Allergan Breast Implant Lawyer? The recalled Allergan textured breast implants may be associated with serious health issues. The Allergan textured breast implant recall involves design problems as well as failure to warn on the part of Allergan, the manufacturer. After speaking to your physician, and seeing to your health, you could benefit from speaking to an experienced Allergan breast implant lawyer.
After determining the facts of your specific case and answering all your questions, you may be advised to consider a textured breast implant lawsuit. We understand that entering into breast implant litigation can seem overwhelming. There is currently at least one breast implant class action lawsuit, and it is expected that following the Allergan breast implant recall, there will likely be much more breast implant litigation. Rather than facing this troubling issue on your own, speak to a knowledgeable textured breast implant attorney today.