The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert warning patients about the risks associated with certain breast implants and lymphoma. On March 21, 2017, the FDA released updated information concerning breast implants and their reported relationship with the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Affected women and their families may be able to pursue compensation for this and other cancer lawsuits with the help of a defective medical device lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Nine Deaths Reportedly Related to Breast Implants and Lymphoma
The FDA has updated information regarding breast implants and the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. According to the FDA, the agency began to identify a possible connection between breast implants and lymphoma in 2011, and is continuing to collect information about the cancer in women with breast implants. The FDA originally knew of only a few instances of the disease and were not able to determine what contributed to the increased risk initially. While the FDA has had some difficulty determining the exact number of cases, most of the data suggest that BIA-ALCL is more likely to develop of the implantation of breast implants with textured surfaces opposed to those with smooth surfaces.
As of February 1, 2017, the FDA has received a total of 359 medical device reports linking breast implants to the rare cancer, including nine deaths. Information on the implant surface was included in 231 of the reports, and of those, 203 were reportedly associated with textured implants and 28 were related to smooth implants. Additionally, and potentially not as important as the surface type of the implant, 312 reports indicated the implants contents, with 186 filled with silicone gel and 126 with saline. The details of breast of implant surface type and content may be limited, according to the FDA’s alert.
Patients are encouraged to educate themselves before having breast implant surgery and to talk with their health care provider about the benefits and risks associated with both textured and smooth-surfaced implants. Women who already have breast implants are likewise encouraged to maintain their current medical care unless symptoms begin to emerge, such as pain, lumps, swelling or asymmetry.
How a Defective Breast Implant Lawyer Can Help
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Women who have suffered from the effects of breast implants and lymphoma may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have.
There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
