Asbestos Throat Cancer Lawsuit

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 4% of all cancers in the United States are head and neck cancers.

Among these, throat cancer is one of the most common types.

Throat cancer is a broad term encompassing several types of head and neck cancers that affect the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), and other related structures in the head and neck.

These cancers can develop in different parts of the throat, each with unique challenges and implications.

Types of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is a general term that can refer to several types of cancers.

Types of throat cancer can include:

• Laryngeal cancer
• Pharyngeal cancer

Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer occurs in the larynx or voice box.

This type of cancer can affect the vocal cords and make it difficult for a person to speak or swallow.

Laryngeal cancer has three subtypes based on the location:

• Glottic Cancer: This type affects the vocal cords, which sit in the middle part of the larynx. It’s the most common form of laryngeal cancer and usually presents with early symptoms like hoarseness, making it easier to detect early.
• Supraglottic Cancer: This type occurs above the vocal cords and affects the epiglottis, which is responsible for blocking food from entering the lungs. It often presents with difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, or a lump in the neck.
• Subglottic Cancer: The rarest form, subglottic cancer occurs below the vocal cords. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties and hoarseness.

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 60% of laryngeal cancers begin in the glottis or the area of the vocal cords, 35% in the supraglottis or above the vocal cords, and 5% in the subglottis or below the vocal cords.

Pharyngeal Cancer

Pharyngeal cancer affects the pharynx, which is a tube-like structure responsible for carrying air, food, and liquid to the esophagus.

There are three subtypes of pharyngeal cancer:

• Oropharyngeal Cancer: This cancer occurs in the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat, including the back of the tongue, tonsils, and soft palate. Symptoms often include difficulty swallowing, a lump in the throat, or unexplained weight loss.
• Hypopharyngeal Cancer: This type affects the hypopharynx or the bottom part of the throat above the esophagus and trachea (windpipe). Symptoms may include a sore throat, ear pain, and hoarseness.
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer: This rare cancer affects the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, facial numbness or pain, and hearing loss.

Asbestos Linked to Throat Cancer

Research has consistently shown a link between asbestos exposure and throat cancer, particularly laryngeal cancer.

Studies that link asbestos to throat cancer include:

• At the time, there were no reports about the link between asbestos and laryngeal cancer in asbestos-exposed workers in Korea. However, a 2016 study in the Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine discovered that a construction site supervisor developed laryngeal cancer after 38 years of occupational asbestos exposure.
• In a 2020 study in the Modern Pathology Journal, researchers found asbestos fibers, particularly chrysotile, in three cases of laryngeal cancer with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos.
• A 2020 study in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) Journal found that professional municipal firefighters from the greater Boston area had an increased risk of developing hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after long-term exposure to asbestos.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified asbestos as a Group 1 carcinogen.

This designation means that asbestos causes cancer and poses a significant risk to human health.

Common Pathways of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos was historically used in a multitude of products and settings, reflecting its widespread application across various industries.

Due to its durability and resistance to heat, asbestos was commonly found in construction materials, automotive parts, and even protective gear, creating numerous pathways for exposure.

This pervasive use has led to significant health concerns over the decades, affecting individuals within a broad range of occupational and residential environments.

Common pathways of exposure includes:

• Occupational Exposure: Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and asbestos mining are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Jobs that involve disturbing asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, roofing, or brake linings, are particularly hazardous.
• Environmental Exposure: Vulnerable people include those living near asbestos mines and factories, or in buildings with disintegrating asbestos-containing materials.
• Secondary Exposure: Family members of asbestos workers may also be at risk, as asbestos fibers can cling to hair, skin, clothing, shoes, and even tools and be carried home unknowingly.

Pathogenesis of Asbestos-Related Throat Cancer

The pathogenesis of asbestos-related throat cancer primarily involves inhaling asbestos, which then becomes lodged in the tissues of the throat and larynx.

These tiny fibers are highly durable and can remain in the body for years, causing chronic inflammation and cellular damage.

This damage can lead to mutations in the cells’ DNA, ultimately resulting in the development of cancerous tumors.

Those with a history of asbestos exposure should be particularly vigilant for symptoms of throat cancer, so they can have it diagnosed and treated promptly.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer symptoms often develop gradually and can be easily mistaken for less serious conditions.

Common symptoms of throat cancer include:

• Persistent sore throat
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump or mass in the neck or throat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ear pain
• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or numbness in the face, mouth, or neck

Several risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing throat cancer including:

• Lifestyle: Poor diet, tobacco use, and heavy alcohol consumption increase the risk of throat cancer, particularly when combined.
• HPV Infection: HPV and throat cancer have been linked, with HPV being responsible for a growing number of oropharyngeal cancer cases.
• Family History: People with a family history of throat cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms — particularly with a history of asbestos exposure — seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Diagnosis of Throat Cancer

Throat cancer requires a thorough diagnostic approach to ensure accurate identification and treatment planning.

Understanding the various methods used to diagnose this serious condition is crucial for patients and their healthcare providers.

The diagnostic process for throat cancer may include:

• Physical Examination: A doctor may start with a thorough examination of the throat, neck, and mouth, checking for abnormalities or lumps.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample from the affected area to be examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans can provide detailed images of the throat and surrounding areas, helping doctors assess the extent of cancer and plan appropriate treatment.

Early detection of throat cancer is critical, especially for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure.

The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances for successful treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment for throat cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the first line of treatment, especially if the cancer is detected early. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, part or all of the affected tissue — including the larynx — may be removed.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or as the primary treatment if surgery is not an option.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is often combined with radiation therapy for more advanced cancers or when surgery is not feasible.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs attack specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow. These therapies can be particularly effective in certain types of throat cancer.

The prognosis for throat cancer varies depending on the type and stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.

If you have been diagnosed with throat cancer and have a history of asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to file an asbestos throat cancer lawsuit.

The legal basis for such a lawsuit typically involves proving that your exposure to asbestos caused your cancer and that this exposure was due to the negligence of another party, such as an employer or manufacturer.

The types of compensation that may be available in an asbestos lawsuit include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for the cost of cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to illness and inability to work
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Punitive Damages: Awarded by the court to punish the negligent party and deter similar conduct in the future

Evidence Required To Support a Lawsuit

To successfully pursue an asbestos throat cancer lawsuit, you will need to provide solid evidence linking your cancer to asbestos exposure.

Key pieces of evidence may include:

• Medical Records and Diagnosis: Documentation of your throat cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as any medical evidence linking your cancer to asbestos exposure
• Work History and Asbestos Exposure: Detailed records of your work history, including the industries and jobs where you may have been exposed to asbestos
• Product Identification: Specific asbestos-containing products used in your workplace or home, with supporting documentation
• Witness Statements: Statements from colleagues, friends, or family members who can attest to your exposure to asbestos or the impact of your illness on your life
• Expert Testimony: Statements from medical and legal experts linking your cancer to asbestos exposure and the negligence of a third party

Steps for Filing a Lawsuit

Filing an asbestos throat cancer lawsuit involves several steps, each crucial to building a strong case.

Steps include:

1. Consultation With an Experienced Attorney: The first step is to consult with an attorney experienced in asbestos-related cases. Your attorney will review your case, advise you on your legal options, and help you understand the potential outcomes.
2. Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will work with you to gather the necessary evidence to support your case, including medical records, work history, and expert testimonies.
3. Filing the Lawsuit: Once you have strong evidence, your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. This step involves drafting a legal complaint outlining your case and the damages you seek.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: In many cases, parties settle asbestos lawsuits out of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the defendants and insurance companies to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your damages.
5. Trial (If Necessary): Your case may go to trial if a settlement is unattainable. During the trial, your attorney will present your case to a judge or jury, who will decide on the outcome.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand the devastating impact of throat cancer on individuals and their families.

Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Us?

We are your partner in the fight against asbestos throat cancer, and we are committed to achieving justice for our clients.

Reasons to choose TorHoerman Law include:

• Expertise in Asbestos-Related Cases: We have extensive experience handling asbestos-related cases, including those involving throat cancer.
• Personalized Attention: We provide personalized attention to each client, ensuring that your case receives the care and focus it deserves.
• Proven Track Record: Our firm has a proven track record of success in securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
• No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with throat cancer due to asbestos exposure, don’t wait to seek legal help.

TorHoerman Law will fight for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

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