Yes, contaminated water can cause kidney disease and other illnesses, such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and more. All chemicals find a way into our water supply, but the types and amounts of toxins depend on the water source, treatment process, or distribution of the water. Major contaminants found in water linking to kidney cancer include benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and vinyl chloride.
Those who suffer from kidney cancer due to exposure to contaminated water should seek compensation for their treatment costs and other damages. This way, they can access the services they need to get their health back or cope with the disease. A Lakeland personal injury lawyer can assist throughout this process.
What Is Kidney Cancer?
According to Cleveland Clinic, kidney (or renal) cancer occurs when a tumor forms in your kidney tissue. If it grows out of control, it can spread to other organs.
You can suffer different types of kidney cancer, including:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): RCC is the most common kidney cancer, accounting for 85% of all kidney cancer cases. The cancer starts developing in our kidney tubule cells. The purpose of your kidney tubules is to return nutrients to your bloodstream. This cancer starts in one kidney but can affect the other.
- Transitional cell cancer: Accounting for six to seven percent of kidney cancer, it begins in your renal pelvis, which connects your ureter to the main part of the kidney.
- Wilms tumor: Children usually get this form of kidney cancer, and it makes up five percent of the cancer.
- Renal sarcoma: Renal sarcoma is the rarest type of kidney cancer, accounting for one percent of cases. The cancer begins in the connective tissue between the kidneys. It can spread to other bones or organs if you don’t get treatment for it.
What Are The Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer doesn’t really show any symptoms in the beginning stages. You’ll notice the signs more as the cancer develops. Seek medical help if you’re experiencing:
- A lump around your kidneys
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Blood in urine
- High blood pressure
- Flank pain, which is pain between the pelvis and ribs in the lower back
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- High calcium levels
- Pain in bones
Your doctor may run blood tests, a renal mass biopsy, a urinalysis, and other imaging scans to diagnose your kidney cancer. From there, they will determine what treatments will be most suitable for your condition. It could be one of or a combination of the following:
- Dialysis
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Ablation
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Fighting Kidney Cancer
If you suspect you have renal cancer or are experiencing it, certain lifestyle habits can help you through treatment. Mayo Clinic recommends:
- Quitting smoking
- Keeping a healthy weight through a balanced diet
- Controlling your blood pressure and learning how you can keep it from getting too high
Your doctor knows your situation, so be sure to ask them other ways you can aid your treatment.
Is Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water Associated With Kidney Cancer?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers found that service members and their families were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from the early 1950s to the late 1980s. The water contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like:
- Benzene
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl chloride
The scientists conducted a study to see if there was a connection between contaminated water exposure and certain cancers the residents developed. They mailed a health survey to around 247,000 residents, and 76,00 responded, noting their:
- Cancer diagnosis
- The age they received their diagnosis
- Smoking and alcohol consumption habits
- Age
- Race
The researchers compared the Camp Lejeune residents’ health complications to those at Camp Pendleton, which didn’t have contaminated water. This comparison helped the researchers determine if increased levels of toxic exposure meant an increased risk of diseases.
What the Researchers Found
The results showed a connection between exposure to contaminated water and a heightened risk of kidney cancer and disease, as well as bladder cancer. The researchers found that the compounds TCE and PCE, specifically, were linked to a higher risk of kidney cancer in both Marines and private civilians.
What Other Diseases Are Linked to Contaminated Water Exposure at Camp Lejeune?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has put together a list of diseases and ailments that evidently stem from the VOCs at Camp Lejeune:
- Hepatic steatosis
- Female infertility
- Miscarriage
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Kidney cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Lung cancer
Those who developed any of these health complications because of water contamination exposure at Camp Lejeune may be entitled to recover damages from the US government or VA.
Can You Get Financial Compensation For Kidney Cancer Caused by Contamination Water?
Recovering compensation from a liable party after exposure to toxic chemicals in drinking water can be complicated. However, a lawyer handling these claims can step in, evaluate your case, and seek fair damages from the appropriate parties.
Possible recoverable damages include:
- Past and future medical care expenses for diagnostic tests, surgery, and medications
- Pain and suffering to help you cope with the pain of your illness and the intensity of treatment
- Disfigurement or scarring if your illness or treatment has changed your appearance or mobility
- Lost income if you had to miss work for treatment
- Reduced earning capacity if your illness keeps you from returning to work for the time being
- Wrongful death losses if your loved one passed away from a related illness
A financial recovery can put your mind and bank account at ease while you’re fighting to get your life back.
Call Dismuke Law Today if You or a Loved One Suffer from Kidney Cancer
If you received a kidney cancer diagnosis due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or elsewhere, Ask Dave to take on your case. At Dismuke Law, we will determine your eligibility to take legal action, calculate your damages, and seek compensation on your behalf.
Call us today at (863) 250-5050 for a free consultation.
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