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Asbestos Laryngeal Cancer Lawsuit

Asbestos Exposure and Laryngeal Cancer

On this page, we’ll discuss the Asbestos Laryngeal Cancer Lawsuit, the links between asbestos exposure and risk of laryngeal cancers, how an asbestos lawyer can help victims, and much more.

Asbestos and Laryngeal Cancer Explained

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) identified asbestos fibers as a grave occupational and environmental health hazard.

When exposed in tremendous amounts and frequency, the fibers can become lodged and build up deep in the lungs or swallowed, causing various health concerns, such as head and neck cancers.

Asbestos Laryngeal Cancer Lawsuit

Symptoms of asbestos exposure often do not present themselves until several years or even decades after the initial exposure.

When detected, the progression is often rapid and aggressive.

Our team at TorHoerman Law can help you seek compensation from the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure.

Contact us for a free initial consultation, or use our chatbot to see if your case qualifies.

Table of Contents

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a thread-like mineral that naturally occurs in the environment.

Its impressive heat resistance, insulating properties, and versatility made it popular in the industrial sector.

Manufacturers often weaved these fibrous minerals with other materials to enhance durability.

Despite its once widespread use in industries such as construction, automotive, and shipbuilding, asbestos has been recognized as a significant health hazard due to its association with severe respiratory diseases and cancers.

Exposure Routes of Asbestos

The risk factors for asbestos-induced illnesses vary depending on the environment and nature of asbestos use.

Exposure routes of asbestos includes:

  • In Occupational Settings: Occupational asbestos exposure is one of the most common and dangerous ways individuals come into contact with this hazardous material. Workers in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and asbestos mining are at higher risk than most.
  • In Residential Settings: Residential exposure to asbestos often occurs through the presence of asbestos-containing materials in homes and buildings constructed or renovated before the 1980s. These materials may include insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, and siding.
  • In Environmental Settings: Environmental asbestos exposure can occur in areas where asbestos is naturally present in the soil or rock formations. This route is prevalent in regions with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.

How Asbestos Exposure Incites Laryngeal Cancer

The development of laryngeal cancer due to asbestos exposure involves multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic mutations.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract, including the larynx (voice box).

The presence of these fibers triggers a chronic inflammatory response as the body’s immune system attempts to eliminate the foreign material.

This prolonged inflammation can lead to cellular damage and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause DNA damage and mutations in the epithelial cells of the larynx, developing laryngeal cancer.

Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, genetic mutations, and time all contribute to the carcinogenic potential of asbestos fibers.

While regulations have significantly reduced asbestos use and exposure in many countries, the legacy of asbestos-related diseases continues to affect individuals who were exposed in the past.

Other than laryngeal cancer, asbestos exposure could also lead to head and neck cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

The high carcinogenic properties of this material led to its absolute ban in many countries.

Diagnosing Laryngeal Cancer

How exactly is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing laryngeal cancer involves a multi-step process that typically begins with recognizing signs and symptoms that prompt further medical evaluation.

Given the serious nature of laryngeal cancer, catching it early is critical to improving outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer

The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is often the identification of symptoms that may suggest the presence of the disease.

Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer can include:

  • Persistent hoarseness or changes in voice quality
  • A sore throat or a cough that does not go away, especially if it is accompanied by pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • A noticeable swelling on the neck
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms are not specific to laryngeal cancer or other types of cancer, so their presence warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Diagnostic Methods To Affirm Laryngeal Cancer

Once the signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer are identified, a range of diagnostic methods are employed to confirm the diagnosis.

Physical Examination and History

The diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination.

The doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms, their duration, and any risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol use, or occupational exposure to harmful substances like asbestos.

During the physical examination, the doctor will check the mouth, throat, and neck for abnormalities, including lumps or swelling.

Laryngoscopy

Laryngoscopy is a vital diagnostic tool in evaluating laryngeal cancer.

There are two main types, including:

  • Indirect laryngoscopy: This procedure involves using a small mirror placed at the back of the throat to visualize the larynx. Although it is a quick and non-invasive procedure, it may not provide a clear view of the deeper parts of the larynx.
  • Direct laryngoscopy: This type of procedure provides a more detailed examination using a laryngoscope inserted through the nose or mouth to visualize the larynx directly. This method allows for a better assessment of the larynx and is more effective in detecting abnormalities.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are crucial for evaluating the extent of the cancer and checking for metastasis (spread to other parts of the body).

Imagining tests can include:

  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the larynx and surrounding structures. They help determine the size and location of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues. It is beneficial for evaluating the extent of the tumor and its relationship to nearby structures, such as the vocal cords and the muscles and cartilage of the larynx.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: PET scans detect cancer spread (metastasis) by highlighting areas of high metabolic activity. PET scans are often combined with CT scans (PET-CT) for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Different Types of Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer can be classified into several types based on the specific cells in the larynx that become malignant.

Each type can vary significantly in terms of prognosis and treatment options.

Understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring the most effective treatment approach and predicting outcomes.

Different types of laryngeal cancer include:

  • Squamous Cell Cancer (Carcinoma) of the Larynx: This cancer originates in the squamous cells that line the larynx. There are three main subsites of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, depending on where the tumor arises, namely glottic, supraglottic, and subglottic cancer.
  • Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma of the larynx is extremely rare and originates from glandular cells in the larynx, which produce mucus and other fluids. Due to its rarity, this advanced laryngeal cancer is often more challenging to diagnose, and the treatment strategies are less well-defined compared to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Laryngeal Sarcoma: Laryngeal sarcoma is another rare type of laryngeal cancer originating in the larynx’s connective tissues. Unlike carcinomas — which arise from epithelial cells — sarcomas are derived from mesenchymal cells.

Laryngeal Cancer Treatment Options

Treating laryngeal cancer varies based on the type, location, stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health.

The primary treatment modalities include:

  • Surgery: Depending on the extent of the cancer, surgery may range from a partial laryngectomy, which preserves some of the larynx and voice, to a total laryngectomy, where the entire larynx is removed completely. It is often the most definitive approach to cure laryngeal cancer.
  • Radiation Therapy: Often used in early-stage laryngeal cancer, radiation therapy can be a primary treatment or an adjunct to surgery. It is also used to kill cancer cells after surgery or in cases where surgery is not feasible.
  • Chemotherapy: Typically used in more advanced cases, chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) or used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumors.
  • Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These newer treatment options are being explored in treating laryngeal cancer, especially in cases where traditional therapies are ineffective. Targeted therapy involves drugs explicitly targeting cancer cells, while immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight the cancer.

There are numerous ways to treat laryngeal cancer, but only a board-certified oncologist can provide the most suitable approach for an individual.

The Impact of Laryngeal Cancer on the Victim's Life

Laryngeal cancer significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life, mainly due to its effects on vital functions such as speaking, breathing, and swallowing.

Changes laryngeal cancer patients might experience include:

  • Speech Impairment: Patients may need to learn new methods of communication, such as esophageal speech, using a voice prosthesis, or electronic devices like an electrolarynx. Even with less extensive surgeries, voice quality may be permanently altered, affecting social interactions and psychological well-being.
  • Breathing Difficulties: For patients undergoing a total laryngectomy, the surgery creates a stoma (a permanent opening in the neck) to breathe through. This opening alters the natural airway, leading to challenges in activities like swimming, and requires ongoing care to keep the stoma clean and free from infection.
  • Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia): Swallowing can be significantly affected by both the cancer and its treatment. Surgery and radiation can cause scarring and reduce the mobility of structures involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia.
  • Psychological and Social Impact: Patients may experience depression, anxiety, and a sense of social isolation due to changes in their appearance and ability to communicate.
  • Overall Quality of Life: The combination of speech, breathing, and swallowing difficulties, along with the emotional toll, can severely impact a patient’s overall quality of life.

The extent of these effects depends on the cancer stage, the type of treatment required, and how the body responds to treatment.

Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit for Laryngeal Cancer

When filing an Asbestos Lawsuit for Laryngeal Cancer, the plaintiff (the person diagnosed with cancer) must meet several legal requirements to establish a valid claim.

These include proving exposure to asbestos, establishing causation, and demonstrating the defendant’s liability.

Proving Asbestos Exposure

One of the critical components of an asbestos lawsuit is proving that the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos.

Plaintiffs need to provide a detailed account of their employment history, particularly jobs in industries known for asbestos use, such as construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, or manufacturing.

The plaintiff must identify specific asbestos-containing products they were exposed to during their tenure.

This part may require historical research, expert testimony, and investigation into the companies that manufactured, supplied, or used these products.

Establishing Causation

In asbestos litigation, proving causation involves demonstrating that the asbestos exposure was a substantial factor in causing the laryngeal cancer.

An oncologist or an occupational health physician may be needed to testify that asbestos exposure was a significant contributing factor to the development of cancer.

Studies and reports that show a link between asbestos exposure and laryngeal cancer can be used to support the claim.

These studies may include data on the increased risk of laryngeal cancer among workers exposed to asbestos.

Demonstrating Defendant’s Liability

The plaintiff must also show that the defendant (usually the manufacturer, distributor, or employer) is legally responsible for the asbestos exposure.

If the lawsuit targets a manufacturer, the plaintiff may argue that the asbestos-containing product was defective and that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings.

Asbestos lawsuits may proceed under the doctrine of strict liability, where the plaintiff only needs to prove that the product was inherently dangerous and caused harm without needing to prove negligence.

The Role of a Specialized Asbestos Lawyer

Working with a specialized Asbestos Lawyer is crucial for several reasons.

Reasons to hire an experienced Asbestos Lawyer include:

  • Expertise in Asbestos Law: Asbestos lawyers are familiar with the laws, regulations, and precedents governing asbestos litigation.
  • Access to Resources: Specialized lawyers often have access to databases of asbestos-containing products, historical records, and expert witnesses who can testify on behalf of the plaintiff.
  • Negotiation Skills: Asbestos lawyers are skilled in negotiating settlements with defendants. Since many asbestos cases are settled out of court, having a lawyer to secure a fair settlement is essential.
  • Trial Experience: If the case goes to trial, an experienced asbestos lawyer can present the evidence convincingly to the jury, counter defense strategies, and aim for a favorable verdict.

Types of Compensation for Asbestos Victims

Victims of asbestos-related laryngeal cancer and other related health issues may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case.

Types of compensation include:

  • Compensation for medical expenses
  • Compensation for lost wages or lost earning capacity
  • Compensation for pain and suffering
  • Compensation for the death of a loved one
  • Compensation for extreme negligence (punitive damages)

The compensation awarded in asbestos cases can help finance the victim’s recovery from this tragic diagnosis.

TorHoerman Law: Asbestos Attorneys

Scientific evidence showing that asbestos exposure causes laryngeal cancer is gaining more attention.

Those who have been exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk of developing cancer, specifically mesothelioma, lung cancers, and laryngeal cancers (and other throat cancers).

If someone you love has developed laryngeal cancer, and you suspect asbestos exposure may have been the cause, contact TorHoerman Law for a free legal consultation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

You can also use our chatbot for a free and instant case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the common symptoms of laryngeal cancer caused by asbestos exposure?

    Symptoms of laryngeal cancer, which can be exacerbated by asbestos exposure, include persistent hoarseness or changes in voice, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough.

    Patients may also experience ear pain or difficulty breathing as the cancer progresses.

    These symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation to determine if laryngeal cancer or other head and neck cancers are present.

  • How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed and staged?

    Diagnosing laryngeal cancer involves several steps including a physical examination, laryngoscopy, and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to assess the extent of the disease.

    The stage of laryngeal cancer is determined based on the size of the tumor, its location (glottic, supraglottic, or subglottic), and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas.

    Accurate staging helps guide treatment options and determine the best approach to manage the cancer.

  • What treatment options are available for advanced laryngeal cancer?

    Treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

    Surgical procedures can range from partial laryngectomy to total laryngectomy, depending on the cancer’s stage and location.

    Radiation therapy and chemotherapy aim to kill cancer cells and may be used in conjunction with each other or as adjuncts to surgery, especially if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other areas.

  • What are the known risk factors for developing laryngeal cancer?

    Known risk factors for developing laryngeal cancer include smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos.

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and a history of head and neck cancers can also increase risk.

    Reducing these risk factors, such as by stopping smoking and moderating alcohol intake, can help lower the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer.

  • How can patients manage the side effects of laryngeal cancer treatment?

    Managing side effects from laryngeal cancer treatment involves addressing issues like voice changes, swallowing difficulties, and potential breathing problems.

    For those undergoing radiation therapy, radiation oncologists may recommend techniques to protect healthy tissue and manage side effects.

    Patients may benefit from support from head and neck surgeons, speech therapists, and dietary counselors to adjust to changes and maintain a healthy diet throughout treatment.

Written By:
Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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