Allergan Textured Breast Implants Linked to Causing Cancer
Women Implanted with Allergan’s Textured Breast Implants Are Now at Risk for Cancer
In July 2019, Allergan (a manufacturer of breast implants) issued a worldwide recall of its Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders. This recall was made at the behest of the FDA after the FDA discovered a link between the implantation of Allergan’s textured breast implants and the development of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Allergan’s recall further requested that surgeons stop using its textured implants and expanders, and to send any unused implants back to Allergan.
BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer; it is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. BIA-ALCL is distinguishable from breast cancer as it develops in the scar tissue that surrounds the implant; not in actual tissue of the breast as is seen with breast cancer. Symptoms commonly associated with BIA-ALCL include:
- Breast Pain or Swelling
- Redness
- Capsular Contracture
- Asymmetry
- Itching
- Burning
- Lump in the Breast or Armpit
Less common symptoms include rash; fever; fatigue; or weight loss. It has been found that symptoms of BIA-ALCL typically begin to develop in patients from anywhere between 2 to 28 years after implant, but they can appear sooner. As such, if you have had breast implant surgery, and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is very important that you contact your doctor immediately. Untreated, BIA-ALCL can spread to other areas of the body and eventually lead to death.
Once your doctor has evaluated your symptoms, you may be sent for a series of diagnostic tests. An ultrasound should reveal the presence of any seromas, or pockets of fluid, within the breast, particularly around the implant. If one or more seromas are found during an ultrasound, a needle biopsy will be performed to drain and test the fluid for certain cancer markers. Additionally, MRIs are used to collect photos of the soft tissue that may be affected because of the implant. Neither a mammogram nor an x-ray are useful in diagnosing BIA-ALCL.
The attorneys at The Yost Legal Group are currently investigating cases involving textured breast implants and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). If you or a loved one is a recipient of textured breast implants and have experienced any of the symptoms associated with BIA-ALCL, or have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, or have had surgery to remove your textured implants, contact The Yost Legal Group today. The lawyers at The Yost Legal Group can be reached anytime by calling 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529), by emailing us directly at info@yostlaw.com, or by visiting our website at www.yostlaw.com.