In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first reported a potential connection between breast implants and cancer of the lymphatic system. Since then, hundreds of women have been diagnosed with breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) — and some of these cases have been fatal.
If you had breast implant surgery and the implants that were used have since been recalled, you may be eligible for financial compensation through an Allergan breast implant lawsuit.
Reach out to our BIA-ALCL law firm today for a free case review.
Cancer Victims Are Filing Allergan Lawsuits Over Recalled Breast Implants
Studies have shown an increased risk of cancer, specifically BIA-ALCL, linked to Allergan’s now-recalled textured breast implants and tissue expanders.
Hundreds of women have been affected by these recalled implants — some even developing breast implant cancer. Lawsuits are mounting against Allergan and other potentially responsible parties from victims seeking BIA-ALCL settlements.
The FDA and the World Health Organization (WHO) have distinguished BIA-ALCL as a type of cancer that can develop after breast implant surgery.
Through BIA-ALCL lawsuits, some victims are requesting, at a minimum, that Allergan pay for the cost of removing and replacing their breast implants. While compensation for the surgery may be helpful, it does not remove the trauma of dealing with the painful symptoms associated with these recalled implants, undergoing invasive surgery and other treatments, and possibly living with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.
Legal action may be the last thing on your mind if you had breast implant surgery with now-recalled implants. But an Allergan breast implant lawsuit may help lighten your load — both financially and emotionally — during this difficult time.
Sokolove Law has over 45 years of experience handling personal injury cases, and we would be honored to help you too. Reach out to our Allergan law firm today for a free case review.
Recent News About Allergan Breast Implant Cancer
- July 6, 2019: The FDA receives a total of 573 reports of BIA-ALCL to date. 481 of these cases have been attributed to Allergan breast implants.
- July 24, 2019: Upon request from the FDA, Allergan announces a worldwide recall of specific types of textured breast implants and tissue expanders.
- September 2019: An Illinois woman files a proposed class-action lawsuit against Allergan, claiming the company knew about the link between its textured implants and cancer long before the implants were recalled.
- October 2019: Two Florida women file an Allergan breast implant lawsuit against the manufacturer. The BIA-ALCL lawyers involved in the case are requesting that the company compensate the women for the costs associated with surgically removing and replacing their textured implants.
What Is Breast Implant Cancer?
According to the FDA, breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic (immune) system.
In most cases, BIA-ALCL can primarily be found in the fibrous scar tissue and fluid near a textured breast implant. However, in some cases, the cancer can spread throughout the body.
Symptoms associated with BIA-ALCL include:
- Breast asymmetry or changes in appearance
- Breast enlargement
- Fatigue
- Hardening of the breast
- Lumps in the breast or armpit
- Pain
- Redness
- Skin rash
- Swelling
- Weight loss
It wasn’t until 2011 that the FDA identified a potential link between breast implants and this type of lymphoma. However, since the cancer was so new — and so rare — the agency was unable to determine exactly what factors increased one’s risk for developing it.
Five years later, in 2016, the WHO characterized BIA-ALCL as a type of T-cell lymphoma that can form after breast implant surgery.
The exact number of cases of BIA-ALCL is unclear due to limitations in global reporting, but the FDA has received 573 total reports of this breast implant cancer as of July 6, 2019.
Other statistics about BIA-ALCL include:
- At least 33 women have died from BIA-ALCL, according to the FDA.
- 481 of the reported 573 cases of BIA-ALCL involve Allergan implants.
- The specific breast implant brand was known for just 13 out of the 33 women who died as a result of BIA-ALCL.
- All but one of these 13 women were confirmed to have Allergan breast implants when they were diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.
The prognosis for BIA-ALCL is generally good if the cancer is discovered in the early stages. Still, this type of cancer is serious and can be fatal without prompt treatment through surgery and/or chemotherapy and radiation.
Even if you have not been diagnosed with this cancer, you may still have a claim if you received the recalled implants during your surgery.
If you believe these recalled implants were used in your surgery, contact the Allergen attorneys at Sokolove Law today for a free case review. If you’re unsure which brand was used, we may still be able to determine if you can take legal action and pursue an Allergan breast implant lawsuit.
Breast Cancer vs BIA-ALCL
BIA-ALCL is commonly confused with breast cancer — but it is not breast cancer.
This cancer is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Breast cancer, on the other hand, is a type of carcinoma, or a cancer that forms in the skin or other tissues covering internal organs.
BIA-ALCL forms in the tissue capsule, or the scar tissue that forms around a breast implant once it is in place. In other words, BIA-ALCL can be found in and around the scar tissue and fluid near a breast implant, not in the breast tissue itself.
Allergan Textured Breast Implants Are to Blame
Approximately 36% (12 out of 33) of cases involving BIA-ALCL-related deaths have been attributed to the product manufacturer Allergan. Research from the FDA indicates that Allergan textured implants are the culprit, and smooth (non-textured) implants have not been linked to this cancer.
According to recent lawsuits filed by BIA-ALCL lawyers, plaintiffs are claiming that the company knew of the risks of their textured implants long before they recalled select products in 2019.
The company began selling implants in 2006 and issued several long-term tests to assess their safety and performance. However, plaintiffs claim that Allergan did not report safety concerns to the FDA through proper channels.
It wasn’t until more rigorous reporting requirements had been implemented and the FDA requested a recall that Allergan withdrew their products. But by that time, thousands of women were placed at risk for cancer.
Which Allergan Implants Are Recalled?
Not all styles of Allergan breast implants have been recalled by the FDA. Only specific styles of textured breast implants and certain tissue expanders are part of the recall.
The lists below detail the recalled styles of Allergan implants. At this time, the FDA recommends that women with these styles of implants and tissue expanders do not remove them if no BIA-ALCL symptoms are present.
Always consult your health care provider for more information and further evaluation if you are concerned.
Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Textured Breast Implants
The following styles have been recalled:
- Style 163: Textured Shaped Full Height, Full Projection Saline Breast Implants
- Style 168: Textured Round Moderate Profile Saline Breast Implants
- Style 363: Textured Shaped Moderate Height, Full Projection Saline Breast Implants
- Style 468: Textured Shaped Full Height Moderate Projection Saline Breast Implants
Allergan Natrelle Silicone-Filled Textured Breast Implants
The following styles have been recalled:
- Style 110: Textured Round Moderate Projection Gel-Filled Breast Implants
- Style 115: Textured Round Midrange Projection Gel-Filled Breast Implants
- Style 120: Textured Round High Projection Gel-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TRL: Natrelle Inspira Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TRLP: Natrelle Inspira Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TRM: Natrelle Inspira Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TRF: Natrelle Inspira Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TRX: Natrelle Inspira Textured Responsive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TCL: Natrelle Inspira Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TCLP: Natrelle Inspira Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TCM: Natrelle Inspira Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TCF: Natrelle Inspira Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TCX: Natrelle Inspira Textured Cohesive Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TSL: Natrelle Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TSLP: Natrelle Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TSM: Natrelle Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TSF: Natrelle Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
- Style TSX: Natrelle Textured Soft Touch Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
The following textured styles have been recalled:
- Style 410FM
- Style 410FF
- Style 410MM
- Style 410 MF
- Style 410 FL
- Style 410 ML
- Style 410 LL
- Style 410 LM
- Style 410 LF
- Style 410 FX
- Style 410 MX
- Style 410 LX
Allergan Tissue Expanders With Texturing
The following products have been recalled:
- Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs
Get Legal Help for Allergan Breast Implant Cancer
The Allergan breast implant attorneys at Sokolove Law are currently investigating cases involving those who had implants removed due to a recall or have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.
If you’re unsure which brand was used, we may be able to determine if you can take legal action against the product manufacturer. If you have a case, you may be able to receive compensation through a lawsuit.
Even if you’re unsure which brand was used, we may be able to determine if you can take legal action.
To learn more about filing an Allergan breast implant lawsuit, contact Sokolove Law today for a free case review. Our team of Case Managers is ready to listen and answer any questions you may have.
Note – Any medical decision is important. Please consult your physician before making any medical decision. All brands are trademarks of their respective companies.
