Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Crisis

 Posted on February 23, 2023 in Personal Injury

Beginning in the late 1950s and running through most of the 1980s, an estimated 1 million people were potentially exposed to toxic chemicals in the water at and around Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. These chemicals have been linked to a variety of illnesses, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the body’s lymphatic system. Today, we will break down what non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is and how it is different from other types of cancer, as well as explain what compensation may be available to those affected by the Camp Lejeune water crisis.

What Is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that affects the body's lymphatic system—the part of the immune system responsible for fighting infection and disease. There are several different types of NHL, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Burkitt's lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphomas. The symptoms vary depending on which type of NHL a person has, but common symptoms include swollen or painless lumps in your neck or armpit, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and chills. If you suspect you may have NHL or any other illness related to Camp Lejeune water contamination, it is important that you seek medical attention right away.

How Is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Different from Other Types Of Cancer?

NHL differs from other forms of cancer in that it can spread throughout the body more quickly than other types of cancer because it begins in the body’s immune cells, which travel through your bloodstream and tissue more rapidly than other cells. As such, NHL can be more difficult to treat than some other cancers because, in many cases, it has already spread throughout your body before diagnosis. Additionally, NHL does not respond as well to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy due to its rapid growth rate. For this reason, most treatments for NHL focus on managing symptoms rather than curing them completely.

What Compensation Is Available to Those Affected by the Camp Lejeune Water Crisis?

Compensation may be available for veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 and suffered medical conditions caused by exposure to contaminated drinking water at the base. This includes compensation for treatment for certain types of cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Those who file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs may be eligible for disability benefits if their condition was caused by their service at Camp Lejeune during these years. Families who were living on the base during this time frame may also be eligible for health care benefits if they have been diagnosed with diseases linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as well.

Speak With a Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has developed health problems that you believe are linked to the contaminated water crisis at Camp Lejeune, an experienced Camp Lejeune lawsuit lawyer can help you take action. Call 708-226-9000 to schedule a free consultation with the team at Schwartz Injury Law today. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Sources:

https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-nhl-treatment-pdq

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375680

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/