Breast Implant Safety: An Essential Guide
Breast enhancement is a prevalent cosmetic surgery globally. However, the safety of specific breast implants has been questioned in recent times. Allergan, an international pharmaceutical corporation, is at the heart of this debate due to its textured breast implants. These implants have been associated with a unique form of cancer known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), leading to a series of lawsuits and settlements, which we will delve into in this piece.
BIA-ALCL is not a form of breast cancer but a variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer that affects the immune system. Typically, BIA-ALCL is discovered in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant, but it can occasionally spread throughout the body. The precise cause of BIA-ALCL remains unknown, but it appears more frequently in patients with textured implants than those with smooth-surfaced ones.
In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized a potential link between breast implants and the onset of BIA-ALCL. By 2019, the FDA asked Allergan to withdraw specific models of its textured breast implants from the market due to an elevated risk of BIA-ALCL. Allergan adhered to the recall, but numerous women had already received these implants, thereby facing a heightened risk of developing BIA-ALCL.
Following the recall, Allergan faced a wave of lawsuits from women diagnosed with BIA-ALCL. These lawsuits allege that Allergan was aware of the potential risks tied to its textured implants but failed to alert the medical community or the public.
One such lawsuit involves Jennifer Cook, diagnosed with BIA-ALCL in 2017. Cook's lawsuit contends that Allergan neglected to reveal the risks tied to its textured implants and continued to promote them as safe. She underwent surgery to remove the implants and received BIA-ALCL treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation.
In another case, Renee Cashen, who developed BIA-ALCL after receiving Allergan implants, accuses Allergan of deliberately hiding the risks and misrepresenting the safety of its products. Cashen underwent several surgeries, including a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
These women represent just a fraction of the many who have filed lawsuits against Allergan. Currently, hundreds of lawsuits have been combined into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The MDL is still in its initial stages, and no settlements have been declared yet.
While no settlements have been declared in the Allergan breast implant lawsuits, if the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, the settlements could be significant. In past cases involving defective medical devices, companies have paid out millions, and sometimes billions, of dollars to resolve lawsuits.
The Allergan breast implant lawsuits serve as a stark warning of the potential risks tied to medical devices. While breast implants can enhance self-esteem and improve life quality, they are not risk-free. It is vital for companies to fully disclose these risks, enabling patients to make informed health decisions.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL after receiving Allergan breast implants, it might be beneficial to consult with a lawyer. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
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Please remember that this article's information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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