Appendix Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been linked to numerous adverse health effects, including several types of cancer.

The water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including industrial solvents and other toxic chemicals.

The toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune are known human carcinogens.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and developed appendix cancer, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

About Appendix Cancer

Appendix cancer (or appendiceal cancer) is an exceedingly rare form of cancer originating in the appendix, a small pouch-like organ near the junction of the small and large intestines.

While this cancer is considered rare, it’s crucial to understand that rarity does not equate to insignificance.

This form of cancer, albeit uncommon, can be aggressive and challenging to treat.

There are several types of appendix cancer, with the most common being carcinoid tumors.

Carcinoid tumors are slow-growing and often less aggressive than other forms of cancer.

Other types include mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (further classified into lepidic adenocarcinoma, acinar adenocarcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, solid adenocarcinoma, and micropapillary adenocarcinoma), both of which tend to be more aggressive and carry a poorer prognosis.

Appendix Cancer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Appendix cancer is a type of gastrointestinal cancer.

While the exact cause of appendiceal cancer is not well-understood, there has been some research into the potential links between exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride, and the development of this rare malignancy.

These toxic chemicals were found to be the four most prominent contaminants in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

Studies have found that exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) has been linked to several different types of gastrointestinal cancer.

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), known for kidney damage, has also been found to harm the gatrointestinal tract.

Other studies have linked exposure to vinyl chloride to an increased risk for gastrointestinal cancers.

Other Causes of Appendix Cancer

The exact cause of appendix cancer remains elusive, which is the case with many rare cancers.

However, there are several factors that researchers believe may contribute to its development:

• Genetics: Family history and genetics can play a role in developing appendix cancer. The risk may be elevated if a close relative has had appendix cancer or other types of gastrointestinal cancers.
• Age: Appendix cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 50 or older, although it can occur at any age.
• Gender: Some studies suggest women may be slightly more prone to appendix cancer than men.
• PFAS Contamination: Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been associated with various health issues, including several types of cancer, such as appendix cancer.

Appendix Cancer Complications

Appendix cancer can bring about a range of complications, some of which can be life-altering.

Understanding these complications is crucial for patients and their families as they navigate their journey with this rare cancer:

• Metastasis: One of the most significant complications of appendix cancer is its tendency to spread or metastasize. Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor in the appendix and travel to other parts of the body, leading to secondary tumor formation and making treatment more challenging.
• Obstruction and Perforation: In advanced cases, appendix cancer can perforate the appendix (peritonitis) or cause obstructions in the intestines, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Surgery-Related Complications: While surgery is essential for treating appendix cancer, it can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, and bowel obstructions.
• Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects: These treatments can have side effects, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a weakened immune system, increasing the risk of infections.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with highly toxic substances for over 30 years, exposing potentially over one million people.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to numerous health effects, including cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and more.

For years, Camp Lejeune victims went without access to VA health care benefits, VA disability benefits, and other forms of relief.

Legislation such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 attempted to secure expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed, but the bill was not comprehensive enough to handle the mass amounts of victims suffering from Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, allows for victims to file compensation claims against the federal government.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit will promptly review compensation claims and deliver a decision within six months.

If the Navy denies a claim or fails to adjudicate a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim, victims may be eligible to pursue a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Adverse Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to a number of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) identified more than seventy toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.

The National Research Council categorized injuries and health effects related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Certain cancer diagnoses potentially linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Brain Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Appendix Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Intestinal Cancer
• Sinus Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Spinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Non-cancer diagnoses suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:

• Hepatic Steatosis
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aplastic Anemia
• Kidney Disease
• Scleroderma
• ALS
• Lupus
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Infertility
• Renal Toxicity
• Autoimmune Disease
• Birth Defects
• Liver Disease
• Cognitive Disability
• Microcephaly
• Renal Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Hypersensitive Skin Disorder
• Nerve Damage
• Oral Cleft

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions and could not secure the desperately needed benefits for years.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act and related Camp Lejeune litigation aims to compensate victims for what they’ve been through.

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

The water contamination incident at the U.S. Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, started around November 1957 and lasted until February 1987.

During the early years, residents barely noticed the toxic chemicals contaminating the water supply.

However, as years went by, numerous residents developed severe complications, which led to some of them dying of unknown causes.

When investigations began, authorities discovered that two of the eight water treatment plants had been contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, benzene, and other noxious chemicals.

Water treatment plants impacted by toxic chemicals are the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point.

Toxic chemicals leaking from underground storage tanks and hazardous waste sites contaminated water supplies at Camp Lejeune.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

Numerous chemical contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point Water Treatment Plants.

The four main toxic substances found in the water at Camp Lejeune were:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): Trichloroethylene is a colorless, volatile, non-flammable organic compound. It’s used to degrease metal parts, as a paint thinner, and as part of dry-cleaning solutions.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, is another colorless, non-flammable liquid. PCE is commonly used in the dry-cleaning industry for cleaning fabrics and textiles.
• Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is a flammable gas with a slightly sweet, chloroform-like odor. Vinyl chloride is a crucial building block for producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
• Benzene: Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor. Benzene has been used in various industrial processes, primarily as a precursor in producing plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, and dyes.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a crucial piece of legislation allowing Camp Lejeune veterans and individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to seek compensation for their suffering.

Former Camp Lejeune residents can file claims on their own behalf, but an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer can help you achieve a Camp Lejeune settlement that accurately reflects what you’ve been through.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit instantly.

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help victims throughout the administrative claims process and potential Camp Lejeune litigation, completing steps such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Camp Lejeune lawsuits and claims require solid evidence that proves a person’s residence at Camp Lejeune and connections to subsequent health problems.

Evidence relating to water contamination can include a number of documents relating to your or a loved one’s time spent at the marine corps base.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served
• Medical records and diagnoses
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health care information
• Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Damages refer to the total losses incurred, economic and non-economic, due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims assess and calculate damages.

Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Permanent disability

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Qualified law firms are helping former Camp Lejeune residents file compensation claims.

If you or a loved one were exposed to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our law firm is prepared to represent you and your family members in Camp Lejeune claims.

Reach out to us for more information on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Camp Lejeune Lawsuits, Camp Lejeune settlements, and more.

We are here to help you and advocate on your behalf.