Cancer Lawsuit Filed Over Allergan McGhan Breast Implants

Irvin Jackson

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A Tennessee woman has filed a product liability lawsuit that indicates Allergan McGhan breast implants caused cancer to develop in the tissue surrounding implant, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).  

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Kimberly Matthews last month in the Superior Court of New Jersey, naming Allergan and Inamed Corporation as defendants.

According to the lawsuit, Matthews was implanted with McGhan Style 468 Saline-Filled breast implants in 2004 as part of breast augmentation surgery. In October 2017, she noticed her inguinal lymph nodes were enlarged, and the next month a PET scan indicated she had hypermetabolic activity within a left anterior chest wall mass.

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Breast Implant Lawsuits

Women may face a risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) from certain breast implants.

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Learn More About

Breast Implant Lawsuits

Women may face a risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) from certain breast implants.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

In December 2017, Matthews was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that develops in the tissue surrounding certain types of implants. BIA-ALCL is a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and a growing body of research suggests that certain large surface area, textured implants may increase the risk.

As a result of the breast implant cancer, Matthews had to undergo a procedure to shrink the tumor, which had infiltrated her chest wall and left ribs, before the implant could be removed in July 2018. She underwent five weeks of radiation therapy to get rid of the rest of the tumor, the lawsuit indicates.

“At the time the McGhan implants were placed into Kimberly Mathews’s body, she was not advised, nor did she have any independent knowledge, that the Products were anything other than safe, life-long products. Nor was she advised that the product was associated and/or known to cause BIA-ALCL and that she would require future surgery and treatments,” the lawsuit states. “Had Kimberly Mathews been advised that implantation was associated with even the slightest risk of developing ALCL and/or BIA-ALCL she would not have proceeded with implantation of the Products.”

Breast Implant Cancer Warnings

On January 26, 2011 the FDA first released a report about case studies and epidemiological research that suggested there was a link between breast implants and ALCL.

The agency then issued a statement about emerging information on the breast implant lymphoma problems last year, and a number of subsequent studies have confirmed that the breast implant ALCL cancer risk is real.

In June 2017, a study published in the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery suggested that certain textured breast implants may increase the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma anywhere from 10 to 14 times, when compared to smooth breast implants.

In October 2017, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Surgery warned that many breast implant cancer cases worldwide have likely not been reported, and noted that doctors and patients may not be aware of BIA-ALCL.

In March 2018, the FDA indicated that it was aware of more than 400 cases of breast implant-related cancer. As more information becomes public about the breast implant cancer cases, experts have warned that the number of cases reported will likely increase significantly.

As regulators and researchers worldwide continue to evaluate the specific cause of the breast implant lymphoma problems, other women are also raising serious questions about why certain products appear to be more likely to be associated with the development of cancer, and how manufacturers failed to address potential design defects earlier.

Product liability lawyers in the U.S. are now reviewing other potential breast implant cancer lawsuits against Allergan and other manufacturers, for women diagnosed with the ALCL in recent years.

Tags: Allergan, Breast Implant, Breast Implant Cancer, Breast Implant Lymphoma, Saline

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39 Comments

Shanon
I have McGhan style 68 implants from 3/3/99 I was not informed it would cause illness and was told they were safe. I was also told that my surgeons office would register them and they filled out a little card and now here I am. Never notified and unable to have a good quality of life. I am at the cancer institute so much, test after test, swollen lymph nodes , benign tumors in my breast, joint pain and stiffness, hair loss, head aches and vision loss. I am devastated and feel like I am slowly dying. I really need help as my medical bills are piling and working is getting harder and harder. I LOVE my job and really need these removed. What are my options? Thank you Shanon Davis
Val
I had Saline breast implants in 1980 and 10 years ago both implants have leaked totally out. I do not have financial resources to have them removed and replaced. I was never told they would rupture. Can insurance help resolve this issue.
Kat
Does anyone know how to find the style number of a McGhan textured saline implant? Mine were placed in 1994. I have a lot number and category number, but no style number. I am having surgery to remove and replace my McGhan saline implants tomorrow. Both of my breasts have been rock hard and painful for quite awhile. I decided to get them replaced when I developed a mysterious rash. Hard red bumps blisters and bruises covered my arms, the back of my name, and the hairline area of my face. I saw two general doctors and two dermatologists before I received a diagnosis – Prurigo Nodularis. There is currently no cure, but studies are being conducted. I was going to participate in the study, but decided to wait until my implants were removed, to see if the rash improved on it’s own after surgery. The rash first appeared at the same time I began to notice one of my breasts ‘deflating’. The change was rapid and obvious. I needed to receive two iron infusions this summer, for extreme fatigue. My weight was fluctuating within a period of days from 5-10 lbs. (My normal weight is around 125). I’ve been experiencing frequent pounding headaches and higher than ever blood pressure (my doctor had to add a second medication). My focus and short term memory have declined noticeably in the last 6 months or so. (For which I also had to have a second medication prescribed). I am a preschool teacher, so this is not a good thing. I’ve also been experiencing nerve issues in my hands and feet. Up until 2 years ago, I was running every day, lifting weights, and swimming. I just recently started walking again, after a long period of inactivity due to all of these health issues. I want to feel and look normal again.
Concerned
In the 1990s I got the then named McGhan 468 biodimentional standard anatomical implants. Cat 27-468351 I believe these are recalled. I just had noncancerous breast tumors removed in 2019 and in this same time experiencing nodules in my rt lung (never smoked) starting in earlier 2000’s. In addition I have major degradation of many areas of my shoulder and looking to see if I have cancer. I am angry no one contacted me about any recalls. Can anyone confirm for me if this is one of the recalled implants?
Concerned
In the 1990s I got the then named McGhan 468 biodimentional standard anatomical implants. Cat 27-468351 I believe these are recalled. I just had noncancerous breast tumors removed in 2019 and in this same time experiencing nodules in my rt lung (never smoked) starting in earlier 2000’s. In addition I have major degradation of many areas of my shoulder and looking to see if I have cancer. I am angry no one contacted me about any recalls. Can anyone confirm for me if this is one of the recalled implants?
Linda
I get so upset knowing every word of this is true. Mc ghan knew he was causing harm to woman .he knew the outcome would be tragic. And they know he committed one of the worst crimes ever. Destroying too many lives to even count. Since when did poisoning another person and causing them long term illness or disabling illness or even death or even worse causing a unborn child to suffer through what can not even be a full life with pituitary tumor shakes heart palpitations panic attacks spine trouble and so much more. We all know the truth.they all know the truth too. So why can’t our legal system do what its there for while we are still here. Why are they not marching into the federal court and giving the evidence and demanding justice and stop allowing innocent people and children to be Guinie pigs for trade . This is our world we should take care of it and everyone in it.the ones who don’t like it can take a flight to another planet where they BELONG. This is not a joke.this is life and each one matters. And this has been wrong for too long. Nobody should die they know whats wrong and yet they are not doing what they know is right. ENOUGH. What good is being a dr if you know how but can’t save lives. I’m so upset and I’m sure the lord is not going to forgive the ones who do know what they do. I am suffering too. 1993 polyurethane foam coated mc ghan 168 and most of my life disfigured ill and 9mm nodal in one side 5 mm in the other and sick for so long I don’t know what it is like not to be. Ringing so loud i fear loosing my mind. Vision so bad I see double and faces 6 feet away are too blurry to make out. Pain and heart panic attacks .depression and mind fog 5 min after I leave I have to go back to see if I shut the door and here is my favorite my hands shake so bad some days I can eat without dropping or spilling. This is ALL FROM WHAT THEY SWORE WERE SAFE AND ONLY SALT WATER. MY BIGGEST FIGHT IS FOR MY SON. WHO I WAS BLESSED WITH IN 94 THE POLYURTHANE FOAM LEAKED THROUGH A DESTROYED HIS LIFE..I WILL FIGHT FOR H I M WITH ALL THE GOOD LORD WILL ALLOW ME TOO. THE LAWS ARE NOTHING IF THE COURTS ALLOW THESE CRIMES TO GO UNJUST. SO IF WE HAVE COURTS AND HOSPITALS LETS GET BACK TO JUSTICE AND SAVING LIVES.
TARA
I too have McGhan 68 Saline-Filled breast Implants. I got them 05/05/2006 and in November of 2017 my right one ruptured and could not afford to get it fixed so I fought with my insurance and they replaced ONE on 05/02/2018. But my Doctor replaced the right one with a SRM Natrelle Inspira Breast Implant, which he said was gel. Well I am in so much pain. I went to the Doctor that put them in the first time and he said I had Capular Contracture (baker grade 3). I called So I called Allergan and they said I am entitled to a new PAIR( yes TWO) and $2000 for out of pocket expenses. Well I told the surgeon’s secretary and she said oh no. I’ll call him. You don’t qualify for that your implants are 15 years old. I was like, ummm…I had my right one replaced in 2018 and there is something wrong. What did the Dr say I had? So I talked to the nurse and she confirmed that’s what the Dr said but they won’t do it. I don’t know what to do….sorry for the long rant but I’m lost. It’s like should I go back to the Dr who put the last one in or do I go somewhere else or just get them taken out all together? Please someone help me. This sucks!
Rena
Called my surgeon, they have to be lying for fear of lawsuit. They said I had McGhan 168 put in 1999. They must have been McGhan 68, not 168. Everyone on here says 68. I was never told about a recall on these in 2009. From what I have found doctors were notified of the link from these to BIA-ALCL in Jan of 2011. I was never told of this either. I did go in to the same surgeon in July of 2011 to get replacement implants, just get them bigger. Still no mention from the doctor of link to cancer or any risks. As a matter of fact he said, these last forever. He replaced them with Mentor smooth round. Have to be lying again when they say now that the capsule was removed in 2011 before the Mentor were put in. There had to have been pain and soreness after that surgery if scraping was actually done to remove capsule, debris, fluid, scar tissue on rib cage etc. I did not have any pain or discomfort what so ever after that 2nd surgery. Proof that he did put the Mentor implants over cancerous cells in old capsule, scar tissue, fluid, rib cage etc… And now in 2020 after 21 years of toxic implants inside me, regardless of the brand and the fact that McGhan (bought out by Allergan, which now has been bought out by AbbVie) were inside me for 12 years!!! Here I am after all these years of wondering what is wrong with me. Literally hundreds of symptoms and doctors thinking it’s all in my head. Now my lymph nodes are swollen and extreme bone pain, not to mention all the symptoms of Breast Implant Illness that you all have mentioned above. Tomorrow I start my journey to health and healing hopefully.. as I just realized this week after 21 years that it is the implants causing all of this poor health that no doctor could figure out or diagnose for sure. It’s absolutely terrible to not be believed and to now know that these poison bags have been slowly killing me all these years! I have to be tested for BIA-ALCL this week. I have decided I am not going back to the original surgeon as he and his staff are lying to cover their own*** I will got to a surgeon who is on the preferred surgeon’s list who specialize in these cases that need explant due to BII and BIA-ALCL. Making sure to do the complete capsulectomy en bloc procedure. Taking pictures of all that is done and what the implants and capsule looks like. Sending the capsule, fluid and scar tissues to the pathologist for further diagnosis and testing for CD30 (which has to be done to find the cells of ALCL..Anaplasic Large Cell Lymphoma). I pray to God I don’t have cancer but if I do, I am going to fight it for my son, he needs me. He lost his father to cancer July 31, 2006 and here it is the week of the anniversary of his passing and I am now fighting for my life.
missy
the 68 are NOT on the recall list they are smooth . allergan sent me letters with the implant info for saline 68 implants & i got dropped from the class action because they said 68 are not recalled . i contacted allergan and found out they sent me the info registered to someone else & has no record of mine …which are textured i have them in my freezer . yet without documentation i’m screwed anyways ! freaking scammers!
Traci
I had Mcghan style 68 put in 2001. I am now experiencing enlarged lymph nodes in my neck and in the armpit the right breast has decreased in size. THIS SCARES ME. I can’t find these on the list. Please any suggestions? I do not have the money to get these things out. I was never told of the risks that I am reading about.
Sheryl
I had the McGhan 68, round smooth saline breast implants LOT 562296 put in 2003. I have suffered from all these illness these ladies list, plus autoimmune diseases, Lupus, Fibromyalgia as well as Manic Depression since getting breast implants put in. I found a few facebook pages about Breast Implant Illness, and it all made sense. Got mine out Jan. 28, 2020. I am feeling better, no Lupus symptoms, no more Fibromyalgia. I am going thru depression as adjustment of the breast explant surgery. I know these breast implants make us sick! Why aren’t they recalled? Why wont any Lawyer take on the cases unless you have cancer from the textured ones? So many women are sick from the saline filled smooth breast implant too!
Adrian
I have Inamed McGhan style 68 done in 2007. I have been told I have fibromyalgia, MS, stiff person syndrome, Raynauds, transverse myelitis, muscle loss, severe nerve damage, field vision loss, TIA, diverticulitis, Adult onset asthma, PTSD, high blood pressure, severe anxiety, shingles, and more. These are the only ones I can remember at the time. My list of symptoms include -shortness of breathe -extreme anxiety -brain fog -all GI symptoms you can have -blurry vision -sensitivities to light sound and movement -hair loss – vitamin deficiency -heat and cold intolerance -numbing and tingling throughout entire body -extreme shaking -panic attacks -muscle spasms -weight loss / gain -itching with and without rashes -foul smelling urine -frequent UTIs -chronic cough -chronic low grade fever -twitching -dehydration -suicidal thoughts -depression -difficultly swallowing -ringing in the ears -hot and cold dripping sensations throughout the body. -headaches -and many more…… Consult for explant in May 2020. Hoping insurance will be willing to pay
Holle
I have Mcghan 68 450cc saline and my health has been declining for past 10 years. Rapid decline in memory, brain fog, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, weight gain, CHRONIC FATIGUE, joint pain, limb tenderness, steroid shots in tops of feet from inflammation pain etc.surgeon. I’m setting up an appointment for ex-planting. These things are TOXIC!!!
Amy
2004 had McGhan style 68 implanted. I never received a notice regarding recall but have since found out online there was a recall in 2009? I have many symptoms and have been back and forth to many different doctors over the years. Memory loss, eye sight problems with burning, neurological issues, weakness of muscles, joint pain mainly knees, brain fog, inflammation, etc.. I stopped seeing doctors since it was continually suggested it was aging. I am only 48 and concerned that this may be the issue and not aging????
Sabrina
In 2004, I received implants, McGhan style 68, serial #TP7691 & TR7188. I can’t seem to find this model on the recall list . I suffer from a lot of the same symptoms; joint pain, swallon knees, muscle pain, brain fog & memory loss, nerve issues as well. I want these out! 49 years old
connie
I had McGhan 68 and 68 mp I explanted on 12/10/2019 I suffered with chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, lost of concentration, I felt like my whole body was dying, I had inflammation in my whole body, they should have let everyone know that these implants were recalled, I’m unable to work and on disability. I had to pay out of pocket 5650 to get these dam toxic bags out.
Dafana
I have McGhan 68 500cc implants put in, in 2000. I have been for the last 10 years getting more symptoms. Early menopause, chronic fatigue, deteriorating eyesight, brain fog gets worse and worse. My joints are starting to hurt, getting headaches, anxiety at night, jaw clinching, dry dry skin, cannot relax ever. I just feel as iff I must be 80 years old. I am looking for an explant doc at the moment. I just found out my implants may be recalled by the chats on here but cannot find anything so I’m just not so sure. Anyway anyone having BII symptoms look up Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nichole it is the best place to go.
Laura
I had the McGhan 68 420cc implants put in, in 2004. I got breast cancer in 2011 and had 6 weeks of daily of radiation treatment. I caught it during a routine mammogram check up. I get stick all the time and I have many if the same problem that others have mentioned. I guess I need to look to getting them taken out.
Tracy
I got McGhan style 68 420cc according to my cards in 2004. I just explanted 12/18/19 one implant matches and says McGhan Style 68mp 420cc the lot number on it matches the card for my left breast. The other implant just says McGhan 420cc. Has anyone else explanted n had this? The way it’s written is completely different. I have been so sick. My health has went down the entire time I’ve had them I hope it improves now.
Carole
Hello. I also have McGhan 68 smooth round saline implants since 2003. Over the past 16 years I’ve definitely dealt with and am still dealing with a host of issues such as hypothyroid, depression, anxiety, brain fog, lack of concentration, neck pain, joint pain, adult acne around chin area (hormonal and I do have hormonal fluctuations), pneumonia, bronchitis (both of which i chalked up to the kids I was living with at the time since they can be germ factories 😉 ), inability to quickly shake a cold etc, ALWAYS being tired, trouble sleeping, teeth grinding, inability to relax, most days having a bit of a headache, puffy eyes & sinuses. Also seems like I’m aging super fast all of a sudden. Many of these had a gradual onset, while others I’m trying to figure out if they were there prior to implants since I have had deviated septum and migraines throughout childhood which can lead to puffiness, sinus issues etc. . However, I’m 4.5 months sober and it seems as though i’m feeling worse instead of better since i’m no longer masking how shitty I feel. Also, when I work out, I am DRAINED afterwards. I was unaware of any recall of McGhan style 68 smooth round saline. Does anyone have a source for this recall – I can’t find anything!
Carol
I had implants placed about 10/2005. McGHAN 468 saline-filled 590cc. I have most all of the symptoms that are talked about and I am now on dialysis. This makes me wonder if it is due to the implants. Never feel good a side from dialysis, I have many other health issues. Can no longer work and struggle financially. I would not be able to afford removal. What am I supposed to expect to happen?
Ellen
I had MgGhan style 468 implanted in January 2007. In 2011 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Lymphoma. I underwent two years of treatment including chemo, radiation and ultimately a stem cell transplant. One of my breast implants recently deflated. I feel physically sick reading this article.
Sandra
I too have McGhan 68 Saline Filled Implant 360cc, surgery was performed 05/17/2005, have been sick sense and the Doctors look at me like Im making my symptoms up, making me feel like I’m going crazy… they cant find anything wrong with me. Migrane Headaches, sinus issues/Allergies, muscle aches, fatigue, foggy brain, body aches, anxiety/depression issues due to my unclear undiagnosed health problems and worse of all Ive had swollen lymph nodes for a long time… my doctor has prescribed long term use of ibuprofen to reduce swelling wth… I’ve experienced uncomfortable and embarrassing yeast infections that require long term treatment as well and the list goes on and on. The above has taken a toll not just on myself but my loved ones. What do I have to do where do I go to get these toxic foreign unsafe objects removed. Paid $5,000dlls for them implanted now they are asking for $11,000dlls to get them explanted.
Glenna
I have 400cc McGhan 68 inplants for 13 years and getting sicker help how do I get these out
shelly
who do I call to get my recalled implants removed??
Trish
I had Mcghan implants done 8/22/86 style 40. I also have experienced so many ailments including RA results and pituitary adenoma (brain tumor). I don’t have any family history of the symptoms I have experienced and was hoping to find some answers. Has this style been recalled?
Amy
I too have McGhan Style 68 My doctors can’t figure out what is wrong with me. I also can’t find the recall information.
Ann
Can anyone direct me where to find style 68 was recalled? Was it a previous recall? I have had mine in since 97! Thanks for your help
Delia
How do you know what kind of implants you have? I have my Inamed Aesthetics Identification card that’s lists a serial number and catalog number but I’m not exactly sure which I have. I had mine done in October of 2004.
Lori
Yes Style 68 is absolutely one of the first to be recalled and are the worse. I have these I’m very very sick same my health has been declining for years I’m explanting in Novemeber 2019 unless I can get it bumped up sooner. Google Mc Ghan implants recall they will be listed the first one. Get them removed ASAP!!!!
Stacy
Does anyone know if McGahn 68 implants have been recalled? I have some BII symptoms such as brain for and joint and muscle pain which gets worse every day. I am Wondering if this could have anything to do with it. Also have had blood work with positive results for ANA.
Tammy
I have Mcghan 68 330 saline and my health has been declining for past 5 years. Rapid decline in memory, brain fog, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, weight gain, CHRONIC FATIGUE, joint pain, limb tenderness, steroid shots in tops of feet from inflammation pain etc. seeing MD, Neurologist, orthopedic surgeon. I’m explanting 9/6/19. These things are TOXIC!!!
Elizabeth
I had my McGhan implants done in 1999 and was diagnosed with stage 1 inductal carcinoma triple negative breast cancer in June of 2017 No family history, lead an extremely healthy lifestyle. They convinced me not to take them out and I am deeply regretting that decision.
Stacy
I have the same implants. I didn’t know they were the same as Allergan. I need to get them Out.
M
I just explanted McGhan 330cc #68 and have lump under arm . Thicken chest wall and a lump under my ribs and neck rash . Have not yet been diagnosed the doctors all seem dumbfounded at whats wrong with me i felt good for about 2 weeks after removal then got ill again and progressively getting worse
Heather
I had McGhan saline implants put in August 2006 and in March 2015 I was diagnosed with stage 3 inductal carcinoma triple negative breast cancer. I have no family history and this is not a hormone related cancer. I swear it is due to these implants. I was 41 at the time and otherwise healthy.
Mary
I have Allergan implants and I am very worried now that I have heard about cancer causing problems with them. My right breast has been swollen and painful for months. I am really worried also because there are small nodules in my right lung. I am very concerned what do I need to do.
Rebecca
I developed CANCER around IMPLANT capsule with Meghan SALINE filled IMPLANT. The pathology report stated adenocarcinoma. Could this be related to implant?
Linda
I had.my first implants in 1979. They ruptured in 1999. I had new implants put in 2000. I have been horribly sick since having implants. I have been diagnosed with Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Fibromyalgia. I have had 17 joint surgeries. It has caused me to not be able to work and so much money. I am looking at having explant. I was never told about all these problems.

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