Breast Implant Recall Lawyers

Breast Implant Linked to Rare Form of Cancer

On July 24, 2019, the FDA took a significant and somewhat rare step in requesting that Allergan, the manufacturer of textured breast implants, recall specific models from the US market due to a heightened risk of a rare form of cancer. The cancer is called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The following models of Allergan’s breast implants were recalled:

• Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants

A complete list of the Affected Products can be found at the bottom of the article.

The recall also includes tissue expanders used by patients before breast implant surgery or reconstruction including:

• Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
• Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs

The Gomez Law Firm now accept breast implant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you love has been diagnosed with cancer or have any concerns, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our expert product liability lawyers.

Why Were the Breast Implants Recalled?

The FDA requested that Allergan recall all textured breast implants and tissue expanders based on numerous reports showing cases of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

A worldwide total of 573 BIA-ALCL cases also included 33 patient deaths. Of the 573 cases of BIA-ALCL, 481 were reported to have Allergan breast implants at the time of diagnosis (almost 84%). In addition, 12 of 13 deaths occurring in patients with BIA-ALCL where the manufacturer was known occurred in patients implanted with Allergan breast implants at the time of their diagnosis. The manufacturer on the other 20 deaths was unknown.

Based on this information, the FDA’s analysis showed that the risk of BIA-ALCL with Allergan’s textured implants is approximately 6X the risk of BIA-ALCL with textured implants from other manufacturers.

What is BIA-ALCL?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not breast cancer. It is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system). In most cases, BIA-ALCL is found in the scar tissue and fluid near the implant, itself. In some cases, however, it can spread throughout the body.

According to the FDA, the overall likelihood of actually getting BIA-ALCL is considered to be low, BUT, a BIA-ALCL diagnosis is very serious and can lead to death, especially if not diagnosed early or promptly treated. According to the FDA, in most patients, BIA-ALCL is treated successfully with surgery to remove the implant and scar tissue surrounding the implant. Some patients may require treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

What Should I Do?

Women with breast implants that have been diagnosed with cancer – particularly BIA-ALCL – should contact a breast implant recall lawyer immediately to discuss their legal rights and options. Our team of experienced staff and attorneys have litigated thousands of cases against medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers across the United States.

What if I Don’t Have Cancer, But am Still Concerned?

Currently, the FDA stated that if you have no symptoms, the FDA is not recommending the removal of these or other types of breast implants. However, if you have questions, you should immediately talk to your health care provider.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of BIA-ALCL?

Persistent swelling or pain near the breast implant are the primary signs. The FDA recommends that you monitor the area around your breast implant for any changes. If you experience any of these symptoms or changes, you should immediately contact your health care provider regarding the need for further evaluation.

Evaluation for BIA-ALCL typically involves a physical exam, imaging, and/or assessment of the fluid or tissue around the breast implant. It is important to undergo an evaluation to diagnose BIA-ALCL since a confirmed BIA-ALCL diagnosis may change the type of operation that is performed.

How do I Know What Brand or Model of Breast Implant I Have?

As with any implanted device, it is good to keep a record of the device manufacturer and implant model name. You should have received this information on a patient device card from your surgeon. If you don’t have the information readily available, your surgeon and the operative notes he or she took should contain this information. Our team of lawyers and staff are ready to assist any of our clients with finding this information.

The Team

The Gomez Law Firm is one of the most highly regarded law firms headquarted in the state of California. “Extraordinary Results for Ordinary People” is a motto made clear by the millions of damage awards the team has recovered for personal injury clients nationwide. The team of 17 attorneys, 10 paralegals and legal assistants work as one, led by founder John H. Gomez. He and 6 highly qualified trial attorneys have collected over $500 million in verdicts and settlements, with many awards over one million dollars. Mr. Gomez was peer voted number 1 personal injury lawyer for 2015 and 2016. The law firm actively represents clients nationwide.

For results and caring action on your personal injury claim in any state, contact The Gomez Law Firm immediately.