Allergan textured breast implants have been linked to a type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This product has been removed from the market and is no longer being used in patients. However, there are still many questions that need to be answered, especially for the women who have these implants already. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our award-wining product liability team wants to discuss the latest findings concerning these implants and what we can do to help if you have been affected by a defective product.
What we still do not know about BIA-ALCL
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been in the news over the last year, especially after the US FDA recommended that textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan be recalled. Studies have shown that these implants pose a higher risk of causing cancer in women than other types of implants.
Recently, Lloyd Gale, MD, and associate profession of surgery at Weil Cornell Medical College and chief of plastic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center.
She said that the risk posed by Allergan’s textured breast implants is low, but there is no certainty of how low, with anywhere from 1 in 355 to 1 in 86,000 patients at risk of developing BIA-ALCL. This is nowhere near the type of understanding that doctors and regulators like to have of dangers posed by potentially dangerous products.
Researchers have begun to look at what those who contract BIA-ALCL have in common, aside from that nearly all cases were related to Allergan implants. They want to know if some people are more at risk than others.
Gale said that “the more aggressive textured devices, the so-called BIOCELL devices manufactured by Allergan, have a much higher prevalence.” However, Gale did go on to say that immediate removal of the implant may not be necessary. Doctors are not recommending removal unless a patient is presenting with signs or symptoms associated with BIA-ALCL. He said that as they begin accumulating more data, researchers will be better able to hone down and provide information to patients in the future.
Any woman who has Allergan textured breast implants should talk to their doctors about any concerns they may have.
Let us get to work on your behalf
If you or someone you care about have been diagnosed with cancer and you suspect it was caused by your Allergan breast implants, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are here to help you get through this. Our nationally recognized team will investigate your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Cost of your current and future medical bills
- Coverage to surgically remove the implants
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against Allergan
If you need a product liability attorney in Florida or anywhere in the US, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7443.
