The gallbladder is a tiny organ that lies under the liver in the upper abdomen. Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells develop in the tissues of the organ. It occurs in approximately 12,220 people every year across the country. Between 75% and 90% of people with this cancer have a history of gallstones, which is a major risk of cancer. Still, the disease can also be caused by toxic exposure, which is the case of some veterans and family members who spent time at Camp Lejeune, where they drank toxic water.
Gallbladder cancer has a grim prognosis, as only 20% of people with this disease survive for five years or longer. Although gallbladder cancer is rare, it accounts for nearly 50% of all biliary tract cancers. Exposure to trichloroethylene, one of the solvents lurking in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, was found to have a strong association with gallbladder cancer. At the Hadnot Point water plant, the concentration of this chemical exceeded the safe exposure limit by 280 times. A study from Cancer Causes & Control found that trichloroethylene exposure increases gallbladder cancer risk. Moreover, exposure to methylene chloride also implies a higher risk of gallbladder cancer.
A study from the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine revealed a considerable increase in the rate of gallbladder cancer in female textile workers exposed to solvents for one year. Other toxic chemicals associated with gallbladder cancer that were present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune include:
If you are a Camp Lejeune veteran or a family member of one and worry you might have gallbladder cancer, the following are the symptoms you should look out for and for which you should seek medical assistance right away:
Are you a Camp Lejeune Marine or a family member of one struggling with gallbladder cancer? If so, we advise you to get in touch with our team of experts, who will gladly help you find out whether you are eligible to file a claim and recover financial compensation for your unjust suffering. Since we understand how physically and emotionally draining having cancer can be, we will go to great lengths to simplify the process so that it will entail minimal involvement from you.
Our team of professionals has over 35 years of experience in reviewing toxic exposure claims, so if you lived at Camp Lejeune and have gallbladder cancer, we can offer you the assistance you need. The only documents we will request to assess your case are your military records or proof of your stay at the military base and your medical records. If you are eligible, we will put you in touch with a trustworthy attorney to have your claim filed.