Hodgkin's Lymphoma Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune veterans, civil workers, and family members were unaware that they had been drinking and using contaminated water for years.

This long-term exposure to toxic substances led to the development of severe medical conditions, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

For those diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the disease can profoundly impact their physical health and daily life, often requiring intensive treatments and regular medical follow-ups.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be fatal, especially if not diagnosed and treated promptly — however, with early detection and appropriate treatment, many patients can achieve remission and have a good prognosis.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after being exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file suit.

Contact our Camp Lejeune attorneys for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune claim instantly.

About Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a critical part of the body’s immune system.

Aside from helping fight infections and diseases, the lymphatic system also helps control fluid flow throughout the body.

Lymphoma starts when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control and don’t die naturally.

They become cancer cells that swell and form lymph node tumors.

Since lymph tissue is found throughout the body, Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells can start almost anywhere.

The most common sites are in the upper part of the body, such as the chest, neck, or under the arms.

It then spreads throughout the lymphatic vessels from lymph node to lymph node to other body parts.

Later stages of this cancer can also disperse to the bone marrow, liver, lungs, spleen, and other organs.

The most common symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes, usually in the neck, underarm, or groin area.

People often mistake this bump for an infection, causing them to delay diagnosis and treatment.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been linked to an increased risk for certain cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Scientific studies linking Hodgkin disease or Hodgkin lymphoma to the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply include:

• Environmental Health Perspectives: Trichloroethylene and cancer: epidemiologic evidence.
• Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Cancer in relation to occupational exposure to trichloroethylene
• Journal of Epidemiology: Mortality of Aerospace Workers Exposed to Trichloroethylene
• Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Mortality of aircraft maintenance workers exposed to trichloroethylene and other hydrocarbons and chemicals: extended follow up
• Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health: Occupational exposure to organic solvents and Hodgkin’s disease in men: A case-referent study
• International Journal of Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Trichloroethylene in the Environment: Public Health Concerns
• Journal of Experimental and Clinical Hematology: Chronic exposure to benzene as a possible contributory etiologic factor in Hodgkin’s disease
• American Journal of Industrial Medicine: Benzene and lymphohematopoietic malignancies in humans
• British Journal of Cancer: Malignant lymphoma and exposure to chemicals, especially organic solvents, chlorophenols and phenoxy acids: a case-control study

Other Causes of Hodgkin Lymphoma

The exact cause of Hodgkin’s disease is unknown.

However, some medical experts believe that the Epstein-Barr virus triggers DNA changes that cause the production of Reed-Sternberg cells, the cancer cells in Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The National Cancer Institute lists potential Hodgkin’s lymphoma risk factors. These include: 

• Age: Early adults aged 20 to 39 are more likely to develop Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Sex: Men are more prone to the disease than women.
• Family History: Having a first-degree family member with Hodgkin’s lymphoma can increase your risk of developing the disease.
• Epstein-Barr Infection: Those infected with the virus are at a higher risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• HIV Infection: This virus weakens a person’s immune system, making them vulnerable to diseases like Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Chemical Exposure: Studies suggest that long-term exposure to dangerous substances, such as solvents, pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals, can increase the risk of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Because of the improper disposal of cleaning solvents, Camp Lejeune victims were exposed to toxic chemicals without their knowledge.

As a result, some of them developed Hodgkin’s lymphoma years later.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Complications

Hodgkin lymphoma can have a devastating impact on a person’s quality of life, and the disease can even lead to death.

The National Cancer Institute cites several symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including: 

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Painless swelling in the lymph nodes, typically in the neck, underarm, or groin, is the most common symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Fever: An abnormal fever of 100 degrees or higher may occur if Hodgkin’s lymphoma disrupts the body’s ability to control its temperature.
• Excessive Sweating: Excessive nighttime sweating can be a symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Weight Loss: People with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may experience severe or rapid weight loss.
• Pruritus: Severe skin itching is a common symptom, especially after taking a bath or consuming alcohol.
• Fatigue: People with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may feel drained and exhausted without any known cause.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma can lead to complications, especially if left untreated or the disease progresses:

• Weakening of the Immune System: As the disease affects the lymphatic system, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections, leaving individuals susceptible to other illnesses.
• Spread of Cancer: If not diagnosed and treated early, Hodgkin’s lymphoma can spread to other organs and tissues, making it more challenging to treat.
• Adverse Effects of Treatment: The treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can have significant side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and an increased risk of other health problems.

Fortunately, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a treatable disease.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society states that the five-year relative survival rate of Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients improved from 80% to 89%.

However, Camp Lejeune victims may have suffered from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other illnesses after decades of toxic exposure, delayed diagnosis, and medical attention.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Toxic chemicals contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and the nearby Marine Corps Air Station New River for over 30 years.

Military service members, family members and dependents, civilian workers, National Guard members, and others drank and bathed in contaminated water without knowing its dangers.

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune were diagnosed with cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and other serious health problems.

Camp Lejeune victims suffered the consequences of exposure to contaminated water without legal recourse for decades.

Legislative efforts, such as the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, attempted to secure expanded Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief.

It wasn’t until the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that victims and veterans exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination were able to pursue compensation from the government.

The CLJA established the Camp Lejeune administrative claims process for victims to secure compensation for health problems and damages resulting from their exposure to hazardous chemicals at the base.

If compensation claims are not adjudicated within six months from the date of submission, or are otherwise denied, victims may be eligible to file suit.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuits are filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The North Carolina federal court handles all Camp Lejeune Lawsuits.

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

Former Camp Lejeune residents were exposed to contaminated water, developed cancer and health problems, and were left without access to compensation and benefits.

With Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims or subsequent Camp Lejeune Lawsuits, victims and family members can seek compensation for their exposure and related health problems.

Family members of victims who’ve tragically passed away from Camp Lejeune linked illnesses may also be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim for Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

If you or someone in your family was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may qualify to file a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

The best way to determine if you can pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is to consult with a lawyer specializing in this type of case.

Experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys will guide you on how best to pursue your claim for compensation and benefits.

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 Lawsuit Claims

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

If you believe you have a Camp Lejeune Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Lawsuit, TorHoerman Law is here to provide expert legal guidance and support.

Our experienced attorneys specialize in cases related to water contamination and toxic exposure.

We are committed to helping victims seek justice and compensation for the harm they have endured.

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 water contamination lawsuit instantly.