Written by: Laura Beasley, Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Thomas J. Lamb, P.A.
We have previously published several articles regarding the association between breast implants and lymphoma cancer. On our law firm’s website, you can learn more about our current investigation of breast implant cases that involve lymphoma and blood cancers.
Background of Population at Risk
There continues to be an apparent correlation between breast implants and lymphoma cancer, referred to medically as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). The number of reported cases is only rising, and it is important for women to realize what kind of implants are the most at-risk for causing this type of cancer.
CNN news recently published an article in February 2019, "FDA Reports Additional Cases of Cancer Linked to Breast Implants", which provides information as to how many women in the world are in this at-risk population. It notes that there are around 10-11 million women who have the implants.
The February 2019 CNN article confirms that these cases are seen mostly with textured implants rather than smooth ones. The article also notes that this cancer is treatable if detected early because its onset is slow.
The company Allergan, specifically, has textured breast implants which have been recently recalled in Europe due to their connection with BIA-ALCL. Read more about this health concern in Europe through our earlier article, "Breast Implants Recall: Allergan Textured Products in Europe Removed From Market December 2018"
Diagnoses and Lawsuits
To find more detailed information about the lawsuits which have been filed in the past, see our previous article, "Several 2018 Breast Implant Lymphoma Cancer Lawsuits Already Filed". Currently, news companies are publishing articles with updated information about the association as well as the increase in women diagnosed. The February 2019 CNN news article states:
At least 457 women in the United States so far have been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Wednesday. Of those, nine have died as a result of the rare cancer, which affects cells in the immune system and can be found around the breast implant
The number of medical device reports regarding this issue received by the FDA is now at 660, showing a notable increase in the past year. Our recent February 2019 article, "Breast Implants Lymphoma Cancer Cases Update", provides a more detailed summary of this knowledge.
Alerting Medical Doctors of Implant Risks
It is our understanding that the FDA is now sending letters to medical doctors, “urging them to learn about BIA - ALCL so they can better diagnose and treat women who may be at risk” (February 2019 NBC news article).
In addition, ALCL is now apparently a known risk with implants beyond breast implants. Medscape published an article, "Fatal Implant - Associated Lymphoma After Buttock Enhancement", which alerts physicians to the association between ALCL and textured silicone implants used in places other than breasts.
We encourage you to discuss with your doctor if you are planning on undergoing or have undergone an implant surgery to understand the potential risks.