Are My Breast Implants Making Me Sick?

The fatal condition is not breast cancer, but a rare malignancy that develops in the immune system called anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. This non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the cells of the immune system and that can develop in various areas of the body. In cases linked to breast cancer, the disease develops within the scar tissue that forms in the area surrounding the implant. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma generally responds to treatment and fatalities are rare, but nine families are now left without their loved ones due to this rare condition.

Researchers have concluded that the likelihood of illness is directly related to the surface of the implant. According to the article, 203 of 231 reported cases involved implants with textured surfaces. Only 28 cases involved smooth textured implants. Physicians explain that tissue grows into the grooves of the implants, possibly leading to the malignancy.

Even years after the implants are placed, patients may start to develop symptoms like swelling, lumps, and pain. While most cases are alleviated by removing the implants, there are some instances in which radiation and chemotherapy are necessary.

In 2016, more than 290,000 women received breast implants. When women place their well-being in the hands of their physicians, they trust that they will receive adequate care, which includes the safety of the implants. According to the Times article, physicians sometimes prefer textured implants because they stay in place, which adds to the aesthetics of the implants. Are aesthetics more important than safety, though?

Defective medical products

Injury-causing breast implants fall under the category of defective medical products and devices. The problem seemingly lies in the design of the textured implants and how they interact with bodily tissue when placed within the human body. Under these circumstances, liability may lie with various parties, including the company that designed the implant, the manufacturer, and the surgeon.

In asserting your claim, a skilled Washington DC medical malpractice attorney examines the defective product and considers the following:

• The design and manufacturing of the implant
• The level and extent of testing completed before the implant was made available to the public
• Instructions and disclosures given to physicians regarding usage of the implants

All of this information is used to determine whether a duty of care was breached and, if so, by whom. A successful case can result in compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Future expenses

In cases where a defective medical product caused death, the victim’s family may have a claim for compensation related to wrongful death.

Please contact Paulson & Nace, PLLC through this contact form or by calling 202-463-1999.