There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, including women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. Last year, there were 2 million more diagnosed. Millions of breast cancer survivors received Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Breast Implants during their reconstruction surgeries. However, upon hearing that these breast implants increase the risk of developing anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), these women wanted them removed.

About ALCL

Recent studies have shown that patients with textured implants face a higher risk of a rare form of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA ALCL). BIA ALCL is not breast cancer but also cancer of the immune system. The FDA reviewed literature and identified 688 cases of ALCL in women with breast implants. As of January 2011, the FDA was aware of 60 reports worldwide of ALCL in women with breast implants. FDA estimates the risk of BIA ALCL among patients with textured implants as between 1 in 3,817.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which is a type of cancer involving the cells of the immune system. ALCL is characterized by abnormal growth of T-lymphocytes (T-cells) and strong expression of a protein, cytokine receptor CD30. The two main types of ALCL include that which expresses the protein anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK-positive) and a second which does not (ALK-negative). Reports suggest an association between ALK-negative ALCL and silicone and saline-filled breast implants.

ALCL & Natrelle Implants

French regulators upon investigating an Allergan plant discovered multiple offenses in the production process. According to the FDA approved salt-loss process, the implants after being soaked in warm water workers should be manually scrubbing the implants. Brushes will remove all solid particles to reveal a textured surface without damaging the surface. However, the regulators discovered that the manual scrubbing is not happening. Instead, workers are using irregular brushing at different degrees of cleaning. This allows seeping from the implants to cause chronic inflammation and stimulation of T-cell production and malignant transformation of those cells to ALCL.

Fear of Cancer

Therefore, upon hearing that Natrelle implants increase the risk of developing ALCL, millions of women insisted on having their implants removed. Yet, insurance companies would not cover it again. Therefore, women had to pay tens of thousands of dollars to have them removed on their own.
This isn’t just women who are concerned they may not get cancer. These are women who have found the odds and beat breast cancer. Statistically, 1 in 6 people develops another type of cancer. Therefore, if you had breast cancer and removed these implants proactively, you could receive compensation.

We Want to Help Natrelle Victims

Furthermore, it is your right for manufacturers to inform you about the long-term risks associated with the medical devices, and it is the responsibility of manufacturers to provide this information. If a doctor diagnosed you with ALCL and you have breast implants, you should demand accountability.  Why did the manufacturer not tell you? 
Of course, we want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for consumers who have been harmed by dangerous products, and likewise, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases. In fact, Michael Brady Lynch, the founder of the Michael Brady Lynch Firm has spoken numerous times about this issue.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.

How We Can Help

When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement could also provide compensation for your injuries and damages. The types of recoverable losses are:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of an ability to work; and
• Pain and suffering

If a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses prior to death
• Loss of economic support; and
• Loss of companionship

If the conduct of a company is found to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. If a doctor diagnosed you with ALCL after breast implants or you had them removed due to fear of getting cancer again, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. Please use the form on this page or call toll-free 24 hours a day at 877-513-9517.