What Do Doctors Know About BIA-ALCL, The Cancer Caused By Allergan Breast Implants?

March 18, 2020 / 10:49 am

Textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan have faced recalls due to the increased risk that they can cause breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). While this type of cancer is classified as being “rare,” it is still vital that oncologists and surgeons understand the symptoms and how this disease should be treated.

At Colson Hicks Eidson, our award-winning law firm is currently taking cases of those affected by BIA-ALCL in Florida or anywhere else in the United States. Our product liability attorneys strive to secure compensation when our clients have been harmed due to faulty products.

What Do The Doctors Know About BIA-ALCL?

At the recent 37th Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference, doctors and surgeons discussed the signs and symptoms of BIA-ALCL, as well as how the disease is diagnosed and treated. This is important because the cases of this type of cancer have been increasing. As of July 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 573 unique, confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL. Out of those cases, 481 one was linked to textured breast implants like the BIOCELL implants manufactured by Allergan. It is likely that many cases of BIA-ALCL are still underreported.

BIA-ALCL is an extranodal T-cell lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue and fluid adjacent to the breast implants. Doctors say that this cancer presents clinically as seroma and typically occurs 8 to 10 years after the initial placement of the breast implant. Physicians say that doctors need to be on the lookout for:

  • A palpable mass
  • A palpable lymphadenopathy
  • Skin rash
  • Fevers
  • Capsular contracture

At the conference, doctors said that the first step to take if BIA-ALCL is suspected is to give the patient an ultrasound. If the ultrasound is indeterminate, a breast MRI should be performed. If patients present with seroma fluid collection, needle aspiration can be completed and results sent to pathology.

At the conference, doctors said that surgical treatment for BIA-ALCL includes removing the disease as well as breast implants. Chemotherapy and radiation may be recommended if the disease has progressed beyond the breast area. A 2016 study shows that the overall three- and five-year survival rate for this cancer is 94% and 91% respectively if treatment is rendered.

We Are Here To Help

If you or somebody you care about has been diagnosed with cancer due to a defective Allergan textured breast implant, contact an attorney immediately. The team at Colson Hicks Eidson has experience taking on negligent medical device manufacturers in Florida and throughout the United States. Our goal is to secure the compensation that our clients need. This can include:

  • Coverage of all medical bills related to the defective implant
  • Recovery of income lost if you are unable to work
  • Mental anguish damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Possible punitive damages against the manufacturer

If you need a skilled product liability lawyer by your side, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7443.

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MIAMI (March 12, 2025) – Every day, the lawyers at Colson Hicks Eidson are privileged to deliver meaningful litigation results for our clients while working alongside some of the finest attorneys and people we know. We are honored that Lawdragon recognizes our dedication to our craft and are pleased to announce that all nine of our partners have been named in the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide.

Lawyers for this guide are selected through Lawdragon’s process of independent journalistic research and submissions. Their selection process emphasizes lawyers who have demonstrated consistent excellence and have made notable impacts in their fields.

Click here to read the full guide.

The Firm’s recognized attorneys are listed below.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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Stephanie was recognized for her representation of injured consumers and her skills in complex litigation, including recent successes in ERISA health insurance benefits cases. Acknowledged by Chambers USA as “an excellent lawyer,” she actively contributes to the legal community as a Board member and former President of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, reflecting her commitment to mentorship and leadership in the profession.

Julie was recognized for her representation of plaintiffs in high-stakes personal injury and complex class action cases, leveraging over three decades of experience. Her accomplishments include serving as lead and liaison counsel in significant multidistrict and consolidated national litigation and securing notable verdicts and settlements in products liability, medical malpractice and negligence cases. A strong advocate for the underrepresented, she has spearheaded efforts to safeguard electoral access and has held leadership roles in the American Association for Justice and the Miami-Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Julie’s legal knowledge is further acknowledged by Lawdragon and Chambers USA, underscoring her significant impact on the profession and her commitment to advancing justice.

We are proud to celebrate Julie and Stephanie, whose recognition reflects their outstanding achievements and the firm’s exceptional success in securing significant judgments and settlements across various areas of law.

Read more: http://digital.floridatrend.com/december-2024/page-86

To schedule a consultation, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at our law office. We have experience in a wide variety of cases for clients located throughout the nation and around the globe.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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Roberto has secured significant client wins in high-profile cases, including participating in settlements and judgments totaling in excess of $6 billion.

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About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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Stephanie A. Casey, a partner at Colson Hicks Eidson, represents Morera and successfully argued that the case should proceed.

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“We are committed to delivering exceptional representation for our clients. This continued recognition of our firm’s core practice areas highlights the success of our efforts,” said Dean C. Colson, Managing Partner of Colson Hicks Eidson.

Best Lawyers® ranks top lawyers and law firms through a peer review process, using feedback from lawyers, clients, and professional references, along with firm data. Rankings are organized into regional and national tiers.

National Tier 2

● Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs

Metropolitan Tier 1

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● Bet-the-Company Litigation
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About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.