When I found out that my Allergen breast implants had been withdrawn, due to a link to Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), I realised that there was a need for a website that collated all the data and research and presented it in a balanced and unbiased way. After a lot of research, I was compelled to try to help support women who have already had breast cancer and now have breast implants linked BIA-ALCL. Allergan will not cover the cost of surgery or any associated costs and I want to raise enough money to help at least one woman in the UK and one woman in the USA, that now want their breast implants replaced or removed and can not afford to. Although the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low I can only imagine how traumatic it must be to have had breast cancer and come out the other side to now find out that your breast implants may cause another type of cancer.
BIA-ALCL can develop in various areas of the body, years after having textured breast implants, regardless of whether they have a silicone or saline filling; from one of the following manufacturers:
- Allergan
- Actavis
- Sientra
- Mentor
- Johnson & Johnson
In addition to BIA-ALCL, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report with textured implants, diagnosis of,:
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (also known as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, NHL, or just Lymphoma)
- T-cell Lymphoma
Allergan Recall
Allergan recalled all styles of the Natrelle BIOCELL textured breast implants. If you do not know the style/type and manufacturer of your breast implants contact your plastic surgeon. Check here for a list of styles/types of Allergan breast implants that have been recalled.
Treatment
Treatment is normally very successful and rarely requires anything other than surgery to remove the breast implants and full capsule. New smooth-shelled breast implants can then immediately replace them. Rarely, when an early diagnosis was not made and the lymphoma has spread beyond the scar capsule, radiation and chemotherapy may be required.
If you are concerned about developing BIA-ALCL you might want to have your Allergan breast implants replaced. Allergan will provide new breast implants without charge; however, the cost of the surgery and any other charges will not be covered.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the FDA do not advise the removal of any style of textured breast implants from any manufacturer. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL is extremely low, although it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of BIA-ALCL and consider having annual mammograms.