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Textured Breast Implant Cancer: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Textured Breast Implant Cancer Concerns: Unveiling the Links

More than 60 years of history have led to the current concerns surrounding textured breast implant cancer. Since the introduction of breast implants in the 1960s, countless women have sought these medical devices for body reconstruction or enhancement. Breast reconstruction typically follows mastectomy due to cancer, aiming at restoring anatomy. Whereas breast augmentation is sought for aesthetic enhancement, increasing breast size and shape.

Silicone and saline implants dominate the market, with silicone being heralded for its natural feel and saline applauded for safety concerns. However, options do not end at the contents.  Surface texture also plays a critical role, with choices ranging from smooth to textured shells that adhere more naturally to bodily tissues.  Unfortunately, textured breast implants are now being association with anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Diagnosis? Textured Breast Implant Cancer

The FDA has recently uncovered that certain types of breast implants may increase the risk of patients developing cancer. Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not classified as breast cancer. Rather, this malignancy occurs in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding breast implants. This condition is a form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which is a type of cancer affecting the immune system. In certain instances, it has the potential to spread throughout the body.

Understanding the Risks: A Deep Dive into Breast Implant Complications

Patients opt for breast implants for various reasons. These range from cosmetic enhancement to reconstruction post-mastectomy, each surgical process carries potential risks and complications for the patient. These extend beyond the immediate post-operative period and might have long-term implications on health.

Detailed Insights on Breast Implant-Related Risks

Among the spectrum of complications, certain conditions like capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around an implant tightens, causes discomfort and may necessitate further surgery. Furthermore, breast implants are not lifetime devices; there is a chance for implant rupture over time. Infection, implant displacement, and nipple sensation changes also create clinical challenges that could demand medical attention.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

At the intersection of implants and oncology lies Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a rare cancer of the immune system. This malignancy typically develops in the fluid surrounding breast implants and can spread to nearby tissues.

Unpacking the Data: Statistics and Risk Factors for Textured Breast Implant Cancer

Research indicates that textured breast implants present a relatively higher risk of BIA-ALCL compared to their smooth counterparts. The number of documented cases has provided a clearer picture: based on current data.  The lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL for patients with textured implants ranges from 1 in 3,817 to 1 in 30,000. Risk factors include the type of implant and genetic predisposition. However, a full understanding of why some individuals develop BIA-ALCL while others do not is not yet entirely known.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 359 medical device reports (MDRs) related to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The increasing frequency of these incidents has raised significant concerns. This has prompted the FDA to issue a statement in alignment with the World Health Organization’s classification of BIA-ALCL as a rare T-cell lymphoma that may develop following breast implant procedures.

Nine of these 359 women have since died from the rare disease. Additionally, as a result of this severe complication, numerous women are filing lawsuits for damages.

What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)?

ALCL can be found in the skin or lymph nodes around the implants. This is not classified as a breast cancer, but rather a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is a cancer disturbing the immune system. Moreover, it can appear any time after implant surgery; often several months or even years later.

If caught early, ALCL is easily treated. If the disease is limited to a single lesion or small region, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the breast implant and surrounding tissues will likely result in complete remission for the majority of affected patients. The FDA does mention, however, that some patients may also require chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

What are the Common Symptoms & Warning Signs of BIA-ALCL?

Symptoms of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) typically manifest years after the surgical insertion of breast implants. However, this type of cancer has been seen as soon as four months post surgery. Key symptoms to be aware of , which can range from mild to severe, include:

  • Swelling: This often presents as an unexplained increase in breast size, which can be attributed to fluid accumulation around the implant capsule. This swelling is typically significant and may appear suddenly.
  • Lumps: Patients might notice a lump or mass either in the breast itself or in the armpit area. This can indicate an abnormal growth or swelling of lymph nodes.
  • Pain: There may be discomfort or pain localized in the breast or extending into the armpit, which could be persistent or intermittent.
  • Hardening: The breast may feel firmer than usual due to the thickening of the capsule surrounding the implant.
  • Redness: The skin on or around the breast may appear red or exhibit a rash, signaling irritation or an inflammatory response.

Statistics Related to Textured Breast Implant Cancer

In January of 2018, an emerging study discovered that silicone breast implants with a textured surface are 400-times more likely to cause this rare type of cancer when compared to smooth surface implants. It has been noted in studies that the majority of women who have a confirmed diagnosis of BIA-ALCL had textured breast implants.

It has yet to be established precisely why the risk of ALCL is higher among women with textured breast implants. However, the human body seems to respond differently to the textured implants compared to smooth ones. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the issue is likely related to the fact that the textured surface encourages scar tissue to stick. This design was developed with the goal to keep implants from shifting over time.  They were also expected to diminish the risk of developing a capsular contracture.

The FDA indicated that “Though the number of identified cases of BIA-ALCL is small compared to the estimated 1.5 million patients who receive breast implants worldwide every year, confirmed data and published information reviewed to date suggests that patients with breast implants have an increased risk of BIA-ALCL,”

Do I Have a Possible Textured Breast Implant Cancer Lawsuit?

We are currently evaluating and investigating claims on behalf of individuals with textured breast implants who have been diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. If you–or someone you know–has been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL or another type of lymphoma cancer as a result of breast implants, we encourage you to contact us immediately.

In many cases like this, filing a lawsuit is the only way to recover damages. These may include the cost of medical bills, transportation costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Others file lawsuits because they want to make a difference, preventing others from suffering through the same misfortunes they have experienced.

Women who develop BIA ALCL following their implantation of textured breast implants may be eligible to recover compensation. However, they will need to take legal action against certain implant manufacturers. Medical device companies may be held legally responsible for ALCL injuries following breast implants if they failed to create a safe product. They may also be held liable if they failed to warn customers of the lymphoma risks associated with textured breast implants. Van Wey, Metzler & Williams Can Help, No Matter Where You Live. To discuss the specifics of your potential lawsuit in a free and confidential consultation, contact us today. You may call us at 1(888)-694-8093.

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