FDA Says More Cancer Cases Have Been Linked to Breast Implants
FDA Says More Cancer Cases Have Been Linked to Breast Implants
More women have been diagnosed with a deadly lymphoma that has been linked to textured breast implants. According to an NBC News report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says there are now 457 women in the United States who have been diagnosed with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma – a number that’s up from 414 cases in the last report. So far, there have been more than 600 cases of this type of lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system, worldwide. Also, 16 women have died so far, nine of them in the United States.
The Danger of Textured Implants
FDA officials say they hope this information prompts providers and patients to have important and informed conversations about breast implants and the risk of this type of lymphoma. This new report comes right before French regulatory authorities are scheduled to meet and discuss the safety of textured implants, which are commonly used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries and account for about 85 percent of the French market.
In December, France’s National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products asked Allergan to recall its textured implants after the agency pulled its safety approval. That recall followed an NBC News investigation finding cancers linked to these breast implants are more common than previously thought. The FDA, which first alerted women to the risks from textured breast implants in 2011 also announced that they are sending letters to primary care physicians and gynecologists urging them to learn more about the issue so they can better diagnose and treat women who may be at risk.
Michelle Forney, a California mother of two who was diagnosed with lymphoma last year, told NBC that letters to doctors an be critical when it comes to diagnosing the disease. The FDA is meeting next month to review the safety of all breast implants.
Textured breast implants are different from smooth implants because they will feel more fine and coarse. However, they will not feel rough, just less slippery than the smooth implants. Textured breast implants also create more friction between the implant and its surroundings. They are firmer and tend to remain in position compared to a smooth implant. So, it’s become the implant of choice for those who want to have a shapelier breast implant.
Product Liability Issues
Manufacturers of medical devices have a duty to make products that are safe for consumers. Reports of these textured breast implants leading to cancer are cause for major concern. If you have been diagnosed with lymphoma after receiving a textured breast implant, please contact an experienced product defect attorney who will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your tremendous losses.
