Breast Implant Cancer and Side Effects Lawsuit
The FDA has warned that textured breast implants appear to increase the risk of developing a rare form of cancer labeled breast implant-associated lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
If you or a loved one with textured breast implants developed lymphoma or other side effects, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Kishish Law Group today for your free and confidential case evaluation by completing our contact form or calling us toll free at 1 (888) 609-4664.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that the use of textured breast implants and other breast products like tissue expanders in breast implant surgery can increase the risk of developing cancer. Patients who have had surgery using these products and experienced side effects are now suing the manufacturers for failing to warn patients about the dangers associated with textured breast implants.
Joining a breast implant lawsuit can help you pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other costs associated with you or your loved one's pain and suffering. Suing these medical device companies can also help send an important signal that manufacturers must make sure their products are safe before releasing them.
What are textured breast implants?
Textured breast implants are one type of breast implant surface that patients may choose when having breast implant surgery. Generally, when patients are considering breast implants, they can choose between either smooth or textured implants. These terms refer to the type of surface present on the implant. Manufacturers introduced textured implants in the early 1970s because it was thought that their textured surface would decrease a side effect known as capsular contracture, where scar tissue constricts the breast implant. Many U.S. surgeons have shifted away from the use of textured implants due to a preference for smooth saline implants, but textured implants remain popular with some U.S. surgeons and with surgeons abroad. A textured surface may also be present on other breast products, like tissue expanders.
Can textured breast implants cause cancer?
The FDA has warned that textured breast implants appear to increase the risk of developing a rare form of cancer labeled breast implant-associated lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Breast implant-associated lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the body's immune system. Other breast products, like textured tissue expanders, also appear to be associated with this increased risk of cancer.
As of July 6, 2019, the FDA has received 573 reports of breast implant-associated lymphoma. The FDA has reported that of these reports, 33 patients have died after being diagnosed with this cancer.
What are the symptoms of breast implant-associated lymphoma?
The primary symptoms of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma are pain and swelling that may last long after the surgical incision has healed. The FDA says that some patients have also observed a lump under the skin or the scarring around the implant. A medical professional may also observe fluid collection around the implant.
Although the risk of developing this lymphoma is rare, the cancer can spread throughout the body and endanger a person's life if not treated promptly. In many patients, this cancer can be treated by removing the implant and the scar tissue. If you are experiencing pain and swelling long after implantation, you should consult a medical professional.
Has there been a recall of textured breast implants?
Yes, the FDA has issued a recall for Allergan's textured breast implants and related products. On July 24, 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan recall their BIOCELL line of textured products, including Natrelle saline- and silicone-filled breast implants and Natrelle tissue expanders. On the same day, Allergan complied with the recall, stopping its sale and marketing of these implants and recommending that surgeons no longer use the products.
The FDA's Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernathy remarked that although the number of cases are small, the agency had determined that "a specific manufacturer’s product appeared to be directly linked to significant patient harm, including death," requiring the recall. Where the FDA knew which implants patients used, the FDA found that 12 of 13 patient deaths from breast implant-associated lymphoma had Allergan breast implants at the time of their diagnosis.
What do the breast implant lawsuits say?
Breast implant lawsuits may allege that manufacturers either failed to warn about side effects or defectively designed their implant product, leading to an increased risk of injury. Plaintiffs will argue that the manufacturers of textured breast implants should be held responsible for putting a dangerous product on the market. Implant manufacturers are usually in the best position to test their products for safety and determine whether there are dangerous side effects that the public should be aware of.
Do I have a breast implant cancer lawsuit?
Contacting a lawyer is the best way to determine whether you have a legal claim against the manufacturer of these breast implants. The experienced lawyers and staff at the Kishish Law Group will listen to your story and help explain your legal options. Our case evaluations are free and confidential. Contact us today by completing our contact form or by calling us toll free at 1 (888) 609-4664.
DISCLAIMER: No attorney client relationship will exist between you and our firm until we enter into a signed Retainer/Services Agreement. Completion of this document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a Retainer/Services Agreement. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions this website may be considered lawyer advertising. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Click here for more information.
Speak with a Breast Implant Lawyer
If you or a loved one with textured breast implants developed lymphoma or other side effects, you may be entitled to compensation.
Reach out to Kishish Law Group immediately to find out your legal options.
Related Articles
- May 16, 2018
3M Bair Hugger Bellwether Trial over Surgical Infections Begins in Minneapolis - July 13, 2017
IVC Filter Use Drops, but Still Too High, Says Doctor - June 20, 2017
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits Grow - June 15, 2017
IVC Filters Continue to Have Problems