Gallbladder Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune involved a number of highly toxic chemicals, with over seventy chemicals identified in Camp Lejeune’s water supply by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The four main toxic chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune included:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzene

Several studies, including the landmark assessment by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, showed that people exposed to chemicals in the water have an increased risk of gallbladder dysfunction and other severe health problems.

If you or a loved one were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune and subsequently developed gallbladder cancer, 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 a Camp Lejeune claim instantly.

About Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon form of cancer that originates in the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver.

Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.

Gallbladder cancer typically starts in the inner lining of the organ and can be classified into different stages based on its spread.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving chances of survival.

According to Cancer.Net:

• 12,220 US adults are diagnosed yearly with gallbladder cancers and similar biliary cancers
• From this figure, around 4,510 deaths occur

Given these numbers, gallbladder cancer is still seen as a rare disease.

For comparison, more than 2 million women received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2020 alone.

Gallbladder Cancer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic substances in drinking water, have been associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.

Scientific studies have explored the links between exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the increased risk for gallbladder cancer:

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: A Summary of Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Study Design and Results
• Cancer Causes Control: Organic Solvents and Cancer
• Frontiers of Oncology: A Panel of Bile Volatile Organic Compounds Servers as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Gallbladder Cancer
• Journal of Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Volatile Organic Compound Analysis in the Detection of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers
• Biology Methods & Control: Digging deeper into volatile organic compounds associated with cancer
• Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique: Are industrial toxic substances a risk factor in gallbladder cancer?
• Journal of the National Cancer Institute: Risk of Cancer Among Workers Exposed to Trichloroethylene: Analysis of Three Nordic Cohort Studies

Other Potential Causes of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer can result from various factors.

Other potential causes of gallbladder cancer include:

• Gallstones: The most common risk factor for gallbladder cancer is gallstones. Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder. Not everyone with gallstones will get gallbladder cancer, but the presence of gallstones increases the risk.
• Chronic gallbladder inflammation: Repeated episodes of gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) can lead to scarring and a higher risk of cancer.
• Polyps: Growths on the inner surface of the gallbladder (polyps) can be benign, but some might have the potential to develop into cancer.
• Porcelain gallbladder: Porcelain gallbladder is a condition where the gallbladder wall becomes covered in calcium deposits. Some studies suggest it may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.
• Congenital bile duct defects: People born with abnormalities in the bile ducts may have an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.
• Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of gallbladder cancer.
• Gender: Gallbladder cancer is more common in women, potentially due to gallstones being more frequent in women.
• Older age: The risk of gallbladder cancer increases with age.
• Exposure to chemicals: Certain industrial chemicals used in the manufacturing of rubber and synthetic materialsmight increase gallbladder cancer risk.
• Infections: Chronic infections of the bile duct can increase the risk. Certain liver flukes (parasitic infections common in some Asian countries) can lead to increased risk.
• Family history: A family history of gallbladder cancer can increase the risk, though such instances are rare.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis: This rare disease causes hardening and scarring of bile ducts and may increase the risk for gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder Cancer Complications

Gallbladder cancer can lead to various complications, some of which can significantly impact an individual’s overall health and quality of life.

Gallbladder cancer complications may include:

• Jaundice: One of the common complications of gallbladder cancer is jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. This can occur if the tumor blocks the bile duct, preventing bile from flowing into the intestines.
• Liver dysfunction: As the cancer grows, it can invade the liver or prevent bile from draining out of the liver, leading to liver damage or failure.
• Ascites: This is the buildup of fluid in the abdomen and can be a result of liver dysfunction or the cancer itself spreading to the lining of the abdomen.
• Nutritional deficiencies: The blockage of the bile duct can lead to problems digesting fats, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.
• Infections: Bile duct blockages can lead to infections, including cholangitis, which is an infection of the bile ducts.
• Gastrointestinal obstructions: The tumor can grow to block parts of the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Severe Pain: As with many cancers, gallbladder cancer can cause significant pain, especially if it invades into surrounding structures.
• Metastasis: Gallbladder cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, bones, and other organs. This is one of the most severe complications and makes treatment more challenging.
• Blood clots: People with gallbladder cancer might be at a higher risk of developing blood clots in the large veins, especially in the legs.
• Weight loss and cachexia: Severe, unintended weight loss can occur, and in advanced stages, cachexia, a syndrome of weight loss, muscle atrophy, and weakness, can develop.
• Fistulas: Rarely, gallbladder cancer can erode into adjacent organs like the intestine, creating an abnormal connection called a fistula.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated with highly toxic chemicals for over 30 years, and residents at the Marine Corps base drank, bathed in, cooked with, and used the contaminated water without knowing its true dangers.

The government knew about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, but failed to keep military service members, their dependents, and other workers and residents safe.

Legislation, such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, attempted to secure expanded Veterans Affairs benefits for affected individuals, but many victims still faced denials.

It wasn’t until the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that Camp Lejeune victims were able to seek justice on a comprehensive scale.

The CLJA established an administrative claims process for victims to seek compensation.

The Camp Lejeune administrative claims process allows victims to file claims with the government, demanding compensation for Camp Lejeune linked illnesses and related damages.

If compensation claims are denied or are not adjudicated within six months of submission, victims may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The North Carolina federal court will handle all Camp Lejeune Lawsuits filed against the government.

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

Contact our law firm for a free consultation, or 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.

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 for years could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

With the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (or a potential Camp Lejeune Lawsuit), victims can now seek compensation for their exposure and related health problems.

Family members of victims who’ve passed away may also be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit on their family member’s behalf.

What Caused the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune water contamination resulted from the release of hazardous chemicals into the base’s drinking water supply over several decades.

These chemicals found their way into the groundwater, Camp Lejeune’s water treatment plants, and, subsequently, into the homes of military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune.

The Camp Lejeune water supply was contaminated because of improper storage practices.

Toxic chemicals seeped from leaking underground storage tanks and hazardous waste sites, as well as improper disposal practices from an off-base dry cleaning business.

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

The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune contained a mixture of hazardous chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens and can lead to a range of serious health issues.

The four main chemical contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune were:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzene

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Claim?

Camp Lejeune victims have suffered for far too long without proper access to compensation, health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act forged a pathway to proper compensation for Camp Lejeune victims.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s Camp Lejeune lawyers for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.

Qualified law firms can help Camp Lejeune victims throughout the legal process, completing the crucial steps of gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering evidence is an extremely important part of the Camp Lejeune claims process.

Camp Lejeune victims can begin to gather evidence on their own, but experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you gather and retain all documents and information for your case.

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 Lawsuits

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune.

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys can help you calculate damages, considering your financial hardships and adding medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation bills to your settlement demands.

Potential damages in Camp Lejeune claims may include:

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

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Our law firm is currently helping former Camp Lejeune residents file claims for compensation.

Camp Lejeune veterans and victims went years without proper restitution, but the CLJA allows the filing of compensation claims and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits.

If you or a loved one were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims understand their rights and advocate on their behalf for a substantial and adequate Camp Lejeune settlement.

Reach out to our lawyers with any questions you may have about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.