Allergan textured breast implants are no longer being sold or implanted into women’s bodies after the discovery that they have a higher risk of causing cancer than other types of implants. However, many women who already have these implants are suffering. While breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is considered rare, that does not mean it is not destroying lives. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally recognized firm is here to help anyone affected by defective medical implants.
Allergan breast implants are a global health problem
Last July, Allergan recalled their BIOCELL textured breast implants after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested them to do so due to the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. These implants were used for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for women all over the world.
Susan Axelby, a 65-year-old woman from England, has spoken openly about how devastating her BIA-ALCL diagnosis has been.
Axelby’s health issues began in 1999 when she chose to undergo an elective mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She chose this course of treatment due to a strong family history of breast cancer. As part of the reconstructive surgery, she received Allergan macro-textured breast implants, a product that saw wide use in the country’s National Health System.
Unfortunately, the implants did not properly settle, and in 2001 she had to undergo further surgery. She was fitted with a left-sided breast expander, another product manufactured by Allergan. Ten years after that surgery, she had new Allergan-made implants fitted. She suffered from further complications and was diagnosed with BIA-ALCL in 2019.
Ms. Axelby said, “I endured years of worry and a series of operations and now I discover that the very implants which were intended to help me have in the end caused cancer I was trying to avoid.”
We want to be clear that BIA-ALCL is not actually breast cancer, but a form of cancer that develops in the fluid and scar tissue around the implant.
Any woman who has Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants should be aware of the following signs and symptoms that could indicate a potential problem:
- Breast pain
- Swelling
- Rash on breast skin
- Mass or lump around the implant
- Excess fluid accumulation around the implant (seroma)
At this time, doctors are not recommending that women with these implants have then surgically removed unless there are signs of cancer.
Let us help you through this
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer that you think it was caused by Allergan textured breast implants, contact the team at Colson Hicks Eidson today. We have vast experience handling product liability cases in Florida and throughout the US, and we are ready to help you secure the compensation you need. This could include:
- Coverage of current and future medical bills
- Any lost income if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against Allergan
When you need a product liability attorney for your Allergan case, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7443.
