The FDA has linked breast implants to an increased risk of a type of blood cancer.
Having your breasts augmented — or getting breast implants — is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery. But recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that women with breast implants have an increased risk of a particular type of blood cancer—anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
ALCL is a relatively rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is not breast cancer, but a form of blood cancer. This type of cancer causes the body’s white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, to become cancerous and spread through the body. Symptoms of ALCL can include fever, loss of appetite, swelling of lymph nodes, backache, and fatigue. When ALCL is associated with breast implants, this is often accompanied by persistent pain or swelling in the breast implant area, which can last for years after the implant is placed.
The FDA has received a total of 359 reports of ALCL being associated with breast implants, with at least 9 women dying of this type of cancer. It is the second time that the FDA has reported a link between breast implants and ALCL. The World Health Organization has also reported a link between ALCL and breast implants. According to the FDA data, textured breast implants present the biggest risk of developing ALCL. The risk of developing ALCL is 65 times higher for women with textured breast implants than for smooth implants. The filling of the impact — saline or silicone — did not appear to impact the development of ALCL.
While there is an elevated risk of developing this type of cancer for women with breast implants, consumers should be aware that the risk is still relatively small. If you do have breast implants, you should take care to continue with routine medical exams, and watch for symptoms of ALCL. If you have silicone breast implants, you should be particularly cautious about the risk of rupture, and follow the FDA’s guideline of having a MRI within three years after the implant surgery and every two years afterwards to check for possible ruptures. Finally, be sure to get regular mammograms, and request a technician who is trained in performing mammograms on women who have breast implants.
Women who have developed cancer as a result of their breast implants may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of their implants due to a dangerous or defective design. A skilled products liability attorney can investigate the case to determine if the manufacturer knew that the implant could cause this type of cancer or if it presented other health risks. If so, then the manufacturer may be liable for any injuries associated with the implant.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our team of experienced products liability attorneys have helped many victims of dangerous and defective products get the compensation they deserve for injuries that they suffered. We have helped more than 100,000 clients recover more than $2 billion dollars, with a 95% success rate. Our firm never charges a fee unless we recover money for you, and our initial consultations are always free. Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
