Lymphoma Breast Implant Lawsuits

Have you been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) after undergoing a breast implant?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that women who have undergone breast implants may be at an increased risk for developing this rare cancer. If you have been diagnosed with ALCL and you believe your breast implant is to blame, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced product liability attorney immediately.

In March 2017, the Food and Drug Administration reported that to date there have been 359 reported cases of possible breast implant-associated cancer. This extremely rare cancer is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and not true breast cancer. It grows around the breast implant and the surrounding nodes and skin.

If caught early, ALCL can be treated effectively. In fact, most cases of breast implant associated ALCL are treated by removing the affected implant and the capsule surrounding the implant. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation may be required.

The recent data seems to indicate that the majority of cases of breast implant associated ALCL occurred in women with textured breast implants and not smooth implants. Of the 359 cases that were reported, 231 included information in the reports about the type of breast implant and the texture of the implant itself.

An astonishing 203 of those reported cancer patients had received a breast implant that was textured. Only 28 affected patients received a breast implant that was smooth.

What are the Symptoms of ALCL?

The main symptoms of breast implant associated ALCL are ongoing pain and swelling in and around the breast implant. This often occurs years after the implant placement and well after the surgical incision has healed.

When patients are examined, fluid is often found collecting around the breast implant. Some even report that a palpable mass can be felt around the implant. Other symptoms include fever, swelling of lymph nodes, loss of appetite and fatigue.

What Can Physicians Do?

Physicians and cosmetic surgeons need to monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of ALCL. Even though this cancer is rare, it is most commonly identified in patients who were undergoing implant revisions.

The FDA also recommends that health care professionals provide educational material to patients regarding the risks associated with different types of breast implants – most significantly textured breast implants. In addition, all new cases of breast implant associated ALCL should be reported immediately to the FDA.

What Can Patients Do?

The FDA recommends that patients educated themselves on the risks associated with breast implants prior to agreeing to surgery. Discuss these risks and the benefits of breast implant surgery with your surgeon carefully.

Once the surgery is performed, continue with all routine medical care and follow up care. If pain and swelling is noted in and around the breast implant, contact your doctor immediately.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast implant associated ALCL, it is important to contact an attorney with significant experience representing victims of defective medical products.