Breast Implant Lymphoma Lawsuit Lawyers

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For years, the scientific community has suspected a link between breast implants and a specific type of cancer. But a few years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that individuals with breast implants have an increased risk of developing anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

The breast implant illness lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP recognize that patients often feel helpless in the face of such a devastating diagnosis, and we have long felt that it’s essential to empower our clients to take a stand against big corporations and seek the justice they deserve. By hiring our experienced attorneys to file breast implant cancer claims, our clients have found the help they need to begin moving forward with their lives.

If you have breast implants and have been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma, contact the offices of Parker Waichman today. Our breast implant cancer attorneys will give you a free consultation to help you understand your potential options for legal recourse.

Lymphoma and Breast Implants: Are Breast Implants Causing Lymphoma?

Breast implants have been linked to lymphoma, especially a rare form of lymphoma known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL

Can Breast Implants Cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Yes: ALCL is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and has been linked to some breast implants.

Do Breast Implants Cause Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?

Health Canada Updates its Safety Alert Concerning Macro-textured Breast Implant Cancer Risks

On April 6, 2022, Health Canada issued a safety review update concerning the increased cancer risks with highly textured (macro-textured) breast implants. Health Canada also states that people implanted with breast implants should be closely monitored for signs of Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Moreover, people contemplating breast implants should discuss the risks with their medical professionals concerning the possible risks connected with breast implants.

These new warnings will update Health Canada’s 2019 and 2017 safety assessments concerning Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL is a rare and severe form of immune system cancer that can develop near breast implants. Health Canada’s review discovered an increased risk of developing BIA-ALCL with the implantation of highly textured breast implants compared to those with smooth or micro-textured breast implants.

In Health Canada’s safety review back in 2019, the study discovered that the estimated risk of acquiring BIA-ALCL in Canada was substantially higher in breast implant patients with macro-textured breast implants than patients with micro-textured or smooth implants. This conclusion has resulted in Health Canada suspending Allergan’s Biocell breast implants license. Allergan’s Biocell breast implants are the only macro-textured implants that were available in Canada.

The recent warning states the estimated risk of acquiring BIA-ALCL with Allergan Biocell macro-textured implants has doubled since the 2019 Health Canada assessment. There was no increase in BIA-ALCL for micro-textured and smooth breast implants. The increased BIA-ALCL is comparable with trends in the United States. In other words, the Canadian and international data continue to show the risk of acquiring BIA-ALCL is higher with macro-textured breast implants as compared to micro-textured and smooth breast implants.

At this time, Canada Health does not recommend removing the Allergan Biocell implants if there are no symptoms or signs of BIA-ALCL. However, patients who have breast implants, or are contemplating breast implant surgery should talk to their medical provider about the all benefits and risks.

If you were implanted with an Allergan Biocell breast implant or any other type of breast implant:

• It is not recommended that you remove your breast implants unless you have any signs or symptoms of BIA-ALCL.
• Discuss all risks and benefits associated with breast implant removal with your medical professional, while knowing that:
  • BIA-ALCL is typically a slow-growing, highly treatable form of cancer;
  • There are risks associated with removing or replacing breast implants; and
  • Removing breast implants might not reduce the risk of developing BIA-ALCL.
• Talk with the surgeon if you do not know which type of breast implant you were implanted.
• Conduct frequent breast self-exams and contact your healthcare professional for regular follow-ups.
• Contact your medical professional if you experience unusual breast changes such as sudden swelling, breast pain, or after finding a lump.

If you or a loved one are considering breast implant surgery, find out the risks and benefits and visit the breast implant section on Canada.ca, and subscribe to their breast implant email updates. Patients should understand that breast implants are not lifetime medical devices and the longer you keep your breast implants, the more likely you will experience complications.

In 2011, the FDA released a report indicating a potential association between anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and breast implants. In analyzing information collected from patients with and without breast implants, the agency identified a “small but increased risk” of developing ALCL in patients with breast implants.

ALCL is not cancer of the breasts but rather cancer of the immune system. It’s a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma involving the abnormal production of T-cells. At the time of its 2011 report, the FDA was aware of 60 cases worldwide in which individuals with breast implants had developed ALCL. The FDA perceived a potential link between the two because of a pattern of manifestation: The cancer was usually located in the area immediately surrounding the implants.

In March 2018, the FDA issued additional information about the connection between breast implants and ALCL. In its communication, the agency recognized breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, as its own subtype of T-cell lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This recognition was in step with action taken by the World Health Organization in 2016.

JAMA Reports Textured Breast Implants Use For Breast Reconstruction Might Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

According to an online news article published on medicaldialogues.in, a recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association, states that the implantation of texture breast implants versus smooth breast implants following a mastectomy in breast reconstruction surgical procedures seems to be linked with breast cancer recurrence. The JAMA study, “Association of the Implant Surface Texture Used in Reconstruction With Breast Cancer Recurrence,” was recently published in the JAMA Surgery journal.

This is an additional cancer risk concern. Recently, textured breast implants were linked to a rare breast implant-related, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Now studies show there could be an increased risk of BIA-ALCL development in breast cancer survivors who receive textured breast implants over smooth breast implants.

Researchers at the University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, assessed how the type of implant used in breast reconstruction surgery influences breast cancer oncologic results. In addition, the team of medical researchers successfully identified the independent factors that are associated with breast cancer recurrence and survival of breast cancer. One key factor includes the surface type of breast implants.

The breast implant surface oncologic research study was administered at the Samsung Medical Center located in Seoul, South Korea. The study involved 687 female patients, with an average age collective of 43.5 years. According to the study’s data, 274 or 39.9% of the study participants received smooth surface implants, which 413 or 60.1% had been implanted with textured breast implants. The study’s researchers followed up with the study participants for about two years following the breast implants’ insertion. The research data analysis was conducted from February 15, 2020, to March 5, 2020

The primary results of interest were the disease-free survival (DFS) and the local and regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) rates. The cumulative instances of oncologic diagnoses in the textured implant and smooth implant groups and their respective hazard ratios (HRs), were noted, gathered, and updated on a frequent basis to determine the results.

The Breast Implant Surface Study’s Key Findings

Patients with textured implants were divided into two separate textured surface groups. Each group produced similar characteristics, such as tumor staging, as well as the rates of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The study showed an association between the implantation of the textured implants with recurrence (lower DFS). These results were more significant in late-stage cancer cases (stage II or III) tumor (HR, 8.874).

The research authors stated that their study’s findings suggest there is a direct association between an increased risk of breast cancer relapse with the implantation of textured implants during breast reconstruction.

What Are the Symptoms of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Cancer)?

Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include:

• Pain or swelling around the breast implant
• Evidence of a seroma (fluid buildup) around the breast implant
• Fever
• Backache
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Skin rash or unusual itching

Patients are usually diagnosed after going to their doctors with unexplained pain and swelling of the breasts long after the healing time has completed.

How Is BIA-ALCL Detected and Diagnosed?

BIA-ALCL may be diagnosed beginning with an ultrasound or MRI to look for fluid in the area of the implant and the lymph nodes. Cases are confirmed with a biopsy and CD30 immune staining.

Can an Ultrasound Detect BIA-ALCL?

Ultrasounds can detect excess fluid buildup near the implant, which can then be tested for BIA-ALCL.

Can a Mammogram Detect BIA-ALCL?

Mammograms are not used to detect BIA-ALCL

Is There a Blood Test for BIA-ALCL?

No: Testing for ALCL examines the lymph tissue or fluid, not blood.

What Types of Breast Implants Are Linked to Cancer and Cause Lymphoma?

The FDA found the highest incidence of BIA-ALCL in patients with textured-surface breast implants filled with silicone.

Are You More Likely to Get Lymphoma (Cancer) From Textured Breast Implants?

Yes. The FDA’s research showed that textured breast implants were present in 242 out of 272 cases for which they had information about the implant surface. They also found a slightly elevated risk with silicone implants as opposed to saline ones; of the 413 reports indicating the filling type used, 234 cases involved silicone implants.

What Is Considered a Textured Breast Implant?

A textured breast implant is one that has a rough exterior surface, which adheres to the surrounding tissue and helps the implant stay in place.

How Do I Know if I Have Smooth or Textured Implants?

After your implant, you should have received a small card that shows which specific implants were used, including the manufacturer and model number. If you have lost this card, you’ll need to call the doctor who performed your surgery or the facility where you had your surgery to find out which implants you have.

What Brand of Breast Implants Is Being Recalled?

The FDA ordered a recall of Allergan Natrelle textured breast implants and tissue expanders in July 2019. The recall covers all Allergan Natrelle BIOCELL products manufactured between July 25, 2014, and June 21, 2019.

How Do I Know If My Breast Implant Is Leaking?

Common signs of a leaking breast implant include a change in breast shape or size as well as swelling or pain in the breast. This should be addressed immediately, as it can put you at a greater risk for cancer.

Is BIA-ALCL treatable?

Most cases of BIA-ALCL will require aggressive treatment, as cancer can quickly spread throughout the body. If not quickly diagnosed and treated, patients are at risk of death.

Most patients are diagnosed with BIA-ALCL within seven or eight years of breast implant surgery. The cancer is usually found in the fibrous scar tissue or the effusion fluid surrounding the breast implant.

Is There a Class-Action Lawsuit for Textured Implants?

Multiple lawsuits have been filed over Allergan’s textured implants, including a class-action lawsuit in Canada as well as numerous cases across the U.S., several of which have sought class-action status.

What Will Happen if I Pursue a Breast Implant Lawsuit?

When you work with an attorney at Parker Waichman, we’ll make the process of securing compensation as stress-free as possible for you. The first step of the process involves a free case consultation with one of our experienced product liability lawyers. You and your breast implant cancer lawyer will discuss the facts of your case and will determine whether we should move forward with an investigation. The case investigation with a Parker Waichman breast implant recall lawyer will include the following steps:

• Creating a timeline of your implant surgery, symptom development, and medical treatment
• Ordering medical records from your implant surgeries and any treatments or consultations you have received related to your breast implants
• Ordering medical records documenting your diagnosis of BIA-ALCL or another type of lymphoma
• Reviewing your case details with medical experts and breast implant experts, who will help us identify the strong and weak aspects of your case
• Performing an analysis of the statute of limitations that applies to your claims to make sure we have enough time to file a case
• Determining the best filing venue for your case
• Talking to you about your filing options and creating a litigation strategy

If we proceed to the next step, filing a lawsuit, your breast implant recall lawyer will seek compensation on your behalf for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

For decades, our clients have trusted us to achieve the results they need during some of the most traumatic times imaginable. We do not take that trust lightly, and we fiercely advocate for our clients from start to finish. Contact us today to begin your own case process with a free consultation.

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Our firm understands how frightened and betrayed you feel when finding out that the breast implants that were supposed to be completely safe caused you to develop cancer. Some of our clients have even been breast cancer survivors who developed BIA-ALCL after reconstruction surgery. That’s why our experienced breast implant illness lawyers stand up for patients who feel like they have lost their voices and for families who have lost loved ones due to dangerous implants. When you’re a Parker Waichman client, you’re a valued member of our family, and we will show you the respect you deserve while our breast implant lawyers fight for the legal results you need.

At Parker Waichman, our attorneys have garnered more than $2 billion in compensation for victims and families, and when you trust us with your breast implant cancer lawsuit, our lawyers will fight for your rights. You deserve to be fully and justly compensated for the injuries you have suffered, just as the wrongdoers in your case deserve to be held accountable. Parker Waichman can help you achieve the outcome that will allow you to regain some much-needed peace of mind. We understand we can never replace what you have lost, but our breast implant lawsuit lawyers will fight to provide you a path toward an easier future.

If you have undergone breast implant surgery and have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma, contact a breast implant attorney with our firm as soon as possible. Don’t delay in hiring skilled counsel to represent you, as statutes of limitations apply in all cases and can prevent you from filing your claim in court. Get a free consultation with one of our breast implant lymphoma lawsuit attorneys today by calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or filling out our online contact form.