If you or a loved one have suffered a Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) cancer diagnosis following complications arising from the Allergan BIOCELL® breast implant, you may be entitled to a financial award.

In July 2019, Allergan issued a global recall of their textured implants following the publication of a Safety Communication by the FDA concerning the development of breast implant associated cancer in hundreds of patients that had certain Allergan breast implant products. In its communication, the FDA released 481 reports of patients with the Allergen BIOCELL textured breast implant and tissue expander that had been diagnosed with a cancer known as breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Some of these patients have since died of the cancer. 

In response to the FDA's request for a voluntary recall of the textured breast implant models, Allergan voluntarily recalled its line of BIOCELL breast implant and tissue expander models from the global market. However, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of these implants remain in patients around the world.

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

BIA-ALCL is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or a cancer of the immune system.  In its July 2019 Safety Communication, the FDA published 573 reports of this cancer and 84% (481) of the reports cite patients implanted with the Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implant. This cancer is formed in the scar tissue surrounding the textured breast implant that results after the implant adheres to the body.

 Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include:

• Excessive fluid buildup around the breast implant
• Swelling or asymmetry
• Pain
• Lumps in the breast or armpit
• Overlying rash
• Fluid collection near the implant

Symptoms have arisen as early as two years and as late as 28 years, however, the median latency period for diagnosis of BIA-ALCL is 8-9 years. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing pain or any of the symptoms listed above associated with your Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implant or tissue expander, you should seek immediate medical care.

Don't Delay to File Your Claim - The Law Limits the Amount of Time to File Following Injury 

Wilentz, Goldman, & Spitzer, P.A. is accepting cases from patients who have been diagnosed with breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma arising from the Allergan BIOCELL breast implant. We are also accepting cases from patients who had their implants removed as a result of the recall or who do not yet exhibit any symptoms but are concerned about future complications and disease and wish to have their implants removed. The review and settlement process is confidential. Call us today at 732-855-0375 for a free case evaluation or come in to meet our lawyers to discuss your legal options.   

FAQ: Allergan BIOCELL Breast Implants

What is the BIOCELL Textured Breast Implant? What is the Tissue Expander?

Breast implants can be smooth oval filled pouches of saline or silicone. Smooth implants are designed to move naturally with the breast, but may be subject to unwanted movement causing the breast to look unnatural.

The Allergan BIOCELL is a textured breast implant that utilizes either a saline or silicone surface (shell) that is covered in finite bumps, like that of a smooth sandpaper, designed to adhere the implant to the surrounding tissue to discourage movement. This unique breast implant shell is used only by Allergan.

A tissue expander device is given to expand a patient’s skin before the implant is put in place in order to prevent stretch marks.

Textured breast implants and tissue expanders are given to patients for:

• Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy
• Cosmetic Use (e.g. Breast Augmentation, or Reduction)
• Gender Reassignment Surgery

Like other breast implant types, textured breast implants are given to patients who elect to have them. Unbeknownst to the patient and surgeon, these implants have been shown to cause BIA-ALCL.

Which Allergan Breast Implants have been recalled?

In July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan recall all BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders marketed in the United States. In response, Allegan voluntarily recalled its BIOCELL models worldwide. Access the list of recalled devices published by the FDA. 

What scientific research exists concerning Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

Science has only recently discovered BIA-ALCL and its correlation to breast implants. The first report of the cancer was made by John A. Keech Jr. and published in the August 1997 edition of the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

In 2011, the FDA classified the nexus between anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and breast implants in 2011. At the time, there were only 60 cases out of an estimated 5-10 million patients with breast implants. Read the 2011 FDA report here.

In 2016, the World Health Organization designated BIA-ALCL as a T-cell lymphoma that can develop following breast implants. Following that designation, the FDA has undertaken measures to better understand cancer causation.

Learn more about the history of BIA-ALCL and BIOCELL implants in these Questions and Answers about Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) published by the FDA.

What Should I do if I have Allergan Textured Breast Implants or Tissue Expanders?

Allergan voluntarily recalled BIOCELL models in July 2019. Although product recall may prevent future harm to new patients, this recall will not protect patients that currently have these breast implants.  If you are a patient with BIOCELL textured breast implants, a summary of the FDA guidance is as follows:

1. Do not have the textured breast implant removed if you are not experiencing symptoms of BIA-ALCL;
2. Be aware of the symptoms of BIA-ALCL and consistently monitor for symptoms;
3. If you are experiencing symptoms, see your doctor; and/or
4. Patients who are diagnosed with BIA-ALCL should have their textured breast implants removed and undergo surgery to remove the surrounding scar tissue;
5. Keep a record of the device manufacturer, unique device identifier, and implant model name. 

How Wilentz Can Help

Wilentz, Goldman, & Spitzer, P.A.’s personal injury lawyers have more than 50 years of success in handling personal injury claims and have secured aggregate recoveries of over $2 billion for the injured. Results achieved in prior matters are not meant to be a guarantee of success as the facts and legal circumstances vary from matter to matter.

We are accepting cases from patients who have been diagnosed with breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma arising from the Allergan BIOCELL breast implant, and from those who do not exhibit any symptoms but are concerned about future complications and cancer risk and wish to have their implants removed. If you do not know which breast implant you have, we can help you to find out. The review and settlement process is confidential. Call us today to discuss your legal options directly with a Wilentz attorney, or complete the consultation request form and a representative will get back to you as soon as practicable.