Breast implants have been linked to 36 deaths and 733 cases of a cancer called Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). It is a rare but aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Need a Texas Breast Implant Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or had a doctor suggest breast implant removal because of a predisposition to cancer, you should contact us you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: FDA Reports 733 Cases of Breast Implant Cancer, 36 Deaths Worldwide
By January 2020, the FDA found 733 cases and 36 deaths from breast implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) worldwide. Of the 733 cases, 620 were women who had a breast implant made by Allergan.
Cancer Victims File Class Action Lawsuits
Allergan has been hit with multiple class action lawsuits from women who accuse the company of selling breast implants linked to cancer.
One recent class action was filed by a woman from Illinois who claims that Allergan knew about the risk of cancer from its textured silicone breast implants before issuing a global recall in July 2019.
In August 2019, another class action was filed by two women who were diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). They are demanding that Allergan pay to remove the recalled implants.
Allergan Breast Implants Recalled in U.S.
July 2019 — In a major reversal, Allergan will recall BIOCELL® textured breast implants in the U.S. after the FDA reported 24 more deaths and data showed a 6-fold increased risk of ALCL compared to other breast implants.
What Took So Long?
The U.S. was the last major country to continue selling the implants, with Canada banning Allergan’s implants in May 2019 and Europe banning them in December 2018. The FDA issued its first safety warning in 2011.
Over 500+ Reports of Cancer Linked to Breast Implants
The FDA reversed its decision after refusing to ban Allergan’s textured breast implants last year. In 2019, the FDA identified 33 deaths and 573 cases of breast implant-associated ALCL — including 481 that are linked to Allergan’s recalled breast implants.
List of Allergan Recalled Breast Implants
Allergan will recall the following Biocell® textured breast implants worldwide:
- Textured Natrelle Inspira Breast Implants
- Natrelle 410 Breast Implants
- BRST Breast Implants
- Allergan Tissue Expanders 133Plus
Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer?
Textured breast implants are associated with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), which is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a blood cancer of the immune system. The risk is highest for women who have silicone breast implants with a textured surface.
Smooth vs. Textured Breast Implants
Breast implants consist of an outer shell made of silicone rubber that is filled with saline (salt-water) or silicone gel. Smooth breast implants have an outer shell that is shiny and slippery. Textured breast implants have an outer silicone rubber shell with a surface like soft sandpaper.
FDA Safety Warning: Textured Breast Implants and Cancer
As of July 2019, the FDA has identified 573 reports of breast implant associated with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). At least 33 women have died of this rare but serious cancer.
ALCL seems to be more common in women with textured breast implants.
The FDA warned that symptoms may include pain, lumps, swelling, or asymmetry of the breast. These are signs of a seroma or fluid build-up around the implant. Testing this fluid for cancer cells is one way to diagnose ALCL.
According to the FDA:
Most cases of breast implant-associated ALCL are treated by removal of the implant and the capsule surrounding the implant and some cases have been treated by chemotherapy and radiation.”
What is the Problem?
Bacterial contamination is hard to avoid when a surgeon is squeezing a breast implant into the body. This is less of a problem on a smooth-surface implant because the immune system can easily kill bacteria. However, on a textured-surface implant, bacteria can hide from the immune system and create an impenetrable coating called a “biofilm.”
Bacteria on the implant can cause low-level infections or inflammation. The immune system responds to this “foreign invader” by forming scar tissue capsule around the implant. Progressive hardening of scar-tissue (contracture) occurs in 10-50% of women with breast implants. Chronic inflammation also increases the risk of developing lymphoma, a cancer in cells that fight off infections.
Cancer Risks of Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants
Silicone gel-filled breast implants were banned in the United States from 1992 to 2006. The FDA received only 17 cases of ALCL in women with breast implants between January 1997 and May 2010.
ALCL cases skyrocketed after the FDA approved silicone gel-filled breast implants. From August 2010 to September 2015, the FDA received over 250 reports of ALCL in women with breast implants.
What is ALCL?
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a fast-growing cancer of the immune system. It starts in white blood cells called T-lymphocytes (T-cells) that fight infections. These cancerous diseased cells crowd out healthy cells and do not fight infections. ALCL is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is also sometimes called “systemic lymphoma” or “anaplastic T-Cell lymphoma.”
What is the Risk?
Approximately 1 in 500,000 women is diagnosed with ALCL in the United States every year. ALCL in the breast is even more rare; approximately 3 in 100 million cases are diagnosed per year. The risk may be significantly higher for women who have breast implants.
Treatment for ALK-Negative ALCL
Breast implants are associated with the ALK-negative subtype of ALCL. This is the most dangerous form of ALCL because it often relapses. With treatment, 45-50% of patients survive long-term. After the breast implant and the scar-tissue capsule are surgically removed, the standard treatment is the “CHOP” chemotherapy regimen: Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Painless swelling in the armpit, neck or groin
- Enlarged lymph nodes
Need a Breast Implant Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas breast implant lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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