If you have textured breast implants made by Allergan, you may be at risk for developing a form of textured breast implant-related cancer and eligible to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal rights.

Are Breast Implants and Cancer Connected?

In February 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report indicating that breast implants may be linked with rare cancer known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA ALCL). This type of cancer starts in the scar and fluid capsule that forms around the implant. BIA ALCL is a cancer of the immune system and a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Fortunately, BIA-ALCL is usually slow-growing. In many cases, treatment options simply include removing the implant and the capsule surrounding it. However, in cases where cancer has progressed further, it may require chemotherapy and radiation.

The exact cause of the condition is not known, but it is thought to be connected with textured breast implants. Of the more than 570 reported cases up to 2019, nearly all were linked to textured implants, and most were manufactured by Allergan. BIA ALCL is diagnosed at least six times more often in people with textured implants than those with smooth ones. Symptoms of the condition include swelling around the implant, a lump, or pain.

In August 2020, the FDA released an update about BIA ALCL cases and deaths – reporting 733 total unique cases and 36 global patient deaths. This update reflected an increase of 160 new cases and 3 deaths since the agency released an update in July 2019.

“The FDA has been diligently monitoring adverse events associated with breast implants for decades and has been working to better understand the quality of life and satisfaction a breast reconstruction patient may experience in order to refine our evaluation of breast implant benefits and risks,” Dr. Binita Ashar, director of the Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in the BIA ALCL update.

“In addition, we continue to increase our scientific knowledge regarding BIA-ALCL and systemic symptoms referred to as BII, and remain committed to keeping the public informed.”

The update reinforced concerns that BIA ALCL is associated primarily with textured implants. Of the 733 total unique cases, 496 cases were confirmed to be associated with textured breast implants. However, there may be more cases than those reported since 209 of the reported cases didn’t specify the type of implant used. Of the 36 BIA ALCL deaths reported, 16 were confirmed to be associated with textured implants while 19 cases didn’t specify the type of implant surface.

As was suspected during earlier updates, the majority of BIA ALCL cases were associated with Allergan implants. Of the 733 cases reported to the FDA, 620 cases involved Allergan textured breast implants. Of the 36 reported patient deaths, only 16 cases had the implant manufacturer identified – 15 of which involved Allergan breast implants.

Although some Allergan textured implants have been recalled, the FDA does not recommend having the implants removed unless an individual is experiencing symptoms of BIA ALCL.

While Allergan has offered to pay for new implants for those with the recalled ones, the company will not cover the cost of the surgery. Surgery to remove and replace breast implants costs thousands of dollars, in addition to the expense of taking time off of work to recover, making this option not possible for many. Those who cannot afford to have their implants removed may feel anxiety, anger, or fear at the thought of potentially contracting cancer from the defective medical devices. Many of those who opt for breast implants do so following a mastectomy, potentially exacerbating their fears of contracting another form of cancer.

Why Should You File a Breast Implant Lawsuit?

Filing a breast implant lawsuit and seeking class action status may be a  way to gain the attention of medical device manufacturers and prevent them from marketing potentially dangerous implants to other patients. In addition to holding the manufacturers accountable, a breast implant lawsuit may also result in the award of compensatory damages to victims.

What Damages Could You Receive?

Those who have developed BIA ALCL after receiving Allergan breast implants may be eligible to pursue compensation through a class action lawsuit. Victims may collect a financial award for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, or injury or disfigurement, money that could help cover the cost of the surgery to have their implants removed.

What Breast Implant Lawsuits Have Been Filed?

Several lawsuits have been filed against Allergan by women demanding the company pay to remove their recalled breast implants and accusing Allergan of covering up the risks associated with these products.

Many of the plaintiffs claim that their out of pocket costs for having the implants removed range between $3,000 to $9,000, and they are seeking to have these costs covered by the manufacturer. According to the litigants, they have been left with a horrible choice: Pay to remove the implants or live with a potentially dangerous implant.  Others who have been diagnosed with BIA ALCL are suing Allergan for causing their cancer.

Many patients and doctors have accused the medical device manufacturer of failing to warn the public about the risks associated with textured implants until the damage was done.

How Can Breast Implant Lawsuit Lawyers Help?

Speaking with a breast implant lawsuit lawyer may be the first step toward pursuing justice or compensation for your injuries or medical expenses. If you have the recalled Allergan implants, even if you have not developed BIA ALCL, you may still qualify to join or file a class action breast implant lawsuit. A breast implant lawsuit lawyer will be able to review the details of your individual case and guide you towards the best course of action for you.

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