Allergan Recall Highlights Breast Implant Cancer Risk
When people undergo surgery, they place their trust in medical professionals and in the companies that supply the products used in each procedure. Whether the surgery is cosmetic or a part of healing and recovering from an illness or injury, patient safety needs to be maintained as the top priority.
In the area of plastic surgery, breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures. Furthermore, breast implants are sometimes used in reconstructive surgeries following breast cancer. Patients undergoing these procedures need the following:
- Accurate, clear, and comprehensive information about the risks.
- Medical professionals who work with the utmost skill and care.
- Implants that meet the highest safety standards.
Unfortunately, companies that manufacture breast implants may supply products that compromise patients’ health.
The Allergan Recall: What Are the Risks of Textured Breast Implants?
Allergan is a significant manufacturer of breast implants. Following concerns expressed by regulators in Europe, the company recently stopped sales of textured breast implants. Although the Allergan recall is currently only in effect in Europe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is monitoring this development and plans to conduct a review of the health risks of breast implants.
What’s the main concern with textured breast implants? As discussed in articles from JAMA Oncology and JAMA Surgery, there’s a growing body of evidence connecting textured breast implants to anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer. Like other lymphomas, this cancer arises from cells in the body that are part of the immune system; it isn’t a type of breast cancer. When it’s associated with breast implants, the cancer is frequently found in fluids and scar tissue next to the implants, and it may also spread to other places in the body.
What are some of the symptoms and signs to watch out for?
- Fluids building up around the breast implants.
- Pain or swelling in or near the breasts.
- The formation of lumps in the vicinity of the breasts and armpits.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Lack of appetite.
- Tiredness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Although anaplastic large-cell lymphoma associated with breast implants appears to be relatively rare, researchers are still gathering information about cases from around the world and they don’t yet know the scope of the problem. Further research is also needed to determine if other factors, such a patient’s medical history, contribute to the risk of this cancer.
The companies that produce breast implants may like to give the impression that their products are perfectly safe or free from certain kinds of risks. However, the evidence is increasingly pointing to a link between specific types of breast implants and an elevated risk of a severe and potentially deadly illness.
Considering a Breast Implant Lawsuit?
If you’re suffering from anaplastic large-cell lymphoma associated with breast implants, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney about the possibility of a breast implants lawsuit. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is extremely stressful and potentially devastating. The treatments are expensive, and you may need to make costly changes to your life, including missing work.
With an experienced and reputable attorney fighting on your behalf, you’ll increase the chances of receiving fair compensation for the costs of your illness. The dedicated assistance and powerful advocacy of KBA Attorneys will help you build the most persuasive case possible.