The Hidden Cancer Risk of Silicone Breast Implants

At least as early as 2011, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) was aware of and began warning the public about the potential risks associated with a wide range of silicone breast implants and injection products. There have been hundreds of reports of women who received implants or injections later being diagnosed with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare, aggressive, and deadly form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (not a form of breast cancer), and the evidence is mounting of a causal link. 

In March 2017, the FDA announced that the deaths of nine women from ALCL were linked to silicone breast implants. At that time, the agency began referring to ALCL linked to the cosmetic enhancements as breast implant-associated ALCL, or BIA-ALCL. “All of the information to date suggests that women with breast implants have a very low but increased risk of developing anaplastic large-cell lymphoma compared to women who do not have breast implants,” the FDA said in a safety announcement. One study found that women with breast implants are 65 times more likely to contract ALCL than those without. 

In July 2019, the FDA announced that it was asking Allergan — one of the worlds largest implant manufacturers — to voluntarily recall its breast implants from the market. This followed new worldwide reports of 573 BIA-ALCL cases, including 33 deaths. Of those 573 cases, 481 were patients with Allergan implants. 

Victims of Negligence

Women who received these implants did not know about the potentially deadly consequences, and hundreds of thousands may now be at risk. This includes many who received implants and injections after the associated risks became known, and weren’t warned. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ALCL after receiving a silicone breast implant or injection, you may have a case for compensation. Call us right away to set up a free, no-obligation case review.

BIA-ALCL Symptoms

As of Aug. 1, 2019, the FDA had not yet recommended that women with silicone implants who are not experiencing symptoms get the implants removed. But women with implants should be on the lookout for these symptoms:

• Seroma (buildup of fluid)
• Asymmetry
• Pain
• Lumps
• Swelling

These BIA-ALCL symptoms, along with general ALCL signs, include fever, backache, swelling of lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and fatigue — all of which can occur years after the implant surgery. ALCL is not a form of breast cancer but rather an aggressive and deadly form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and should be taken very seriously. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to record them and visit your healthcare provider immediately. This information will be important if you choose to take part in a lawsuit. 

Morgan & Morgan Wants to Fight for You

Our attorneys have been bringing irresponsible manufacturers to justice for decades, and we have a long track record of winning compensation for the victims of their negligence. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with ALCL after receiving a silicone breast implant or injection, we want to fight for you, too. 

The pain and suffering that comes with ALCL and its treatment can be massive, and the financial costs can be overwhelming. We want to give you the best chance at getting the most compensation. Call us today, and we’ll evaluate your case for free.