Getting breast implants is a common choice for patients who have survived breast cancer and have undergone a mastectomy. Indeed, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation surgery is by far one of the most common plastic surgeries—and in 2018 alone, 313,735 patients underwent breast augmentation, up four percent from 2017. Breast augmentation has become increasingly more common in the last couple of decades, up 48 percent from 2000.

Unfortunately for cancer survivors who have opted to get breast implants, the FDA is now asking for recalls of certain breast implants linked to lymphoma.

One cancer survivor, Delo F., told KGW8 that after her double mastectomy, she decided to get breast implants. After the trauma of cancer treatment and the discomfort many people feel after their breasts are removed in a mastectomy, breast implants are supposed to return some level of normalcy to the patient. “Because, just like from what I’ve heard, that’s how you feel like a woman again,” said Delo.

Unfortunately, earlier this year, Delo began suffering from unexpected, severe symptoms. She started experiencing both leg and neck pain, had persistent brain fog, and couldn’t swallow.

But when Delo consulted her doctors and even specialists, they couldn’t figure out what might be causing her symptoms. Her pain steadily grew worse, to the point where she began wondering if it was worth it anymore.

“I woke up one night and I told Randy if this is going to be my life, I don’t want it,” Delo told KGW8. “I actually said that to him. If this is going to be my life, then I don’t want it anymore. That’s how bad it was.”

Eventually, as her symptoms worsened, Delo began researching what she was experiencing online and found information about breast implant illness (BII). She found accounts of tens of thousands of women like her who have complained about chronic pain and autoimmune issues, which they attribute to their implants.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that, in 2018 alone, nearly 28,000 patients had their breast implants removed. Delo read from other cancer patients that when people had their breast implants removed (that is, explanting) their symptoms improved either immediately or within a few months. After Delo had her implants removed this last summer, she told KGW8 that she feels “so much better,” and is back to doing her regular activities, including high-intensity ones like rowing with her dragon boat team.

One of Delo’s teammates, Sarah C., was also diagnosed with breast cancer and afterward received breast implants. Her initial implants caused some issues, so they were replaced with textured implants made by Allergan. However, the FDA asked Allergan to issue a voluntary recall for these textured breast implants because of a link to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Rather than keep breast implants linked to lymphoma, Sarah has reportedly decided to have hers removed as well.

Filing a Breast Implant Cancer Lawsuit

If you have been implanted with breast implants linked to lymphoma cancer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering endured by a cancer patient, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with medical issues like these, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.