Asbestos Rectal Cancer Lawsuit

Understanding Asbestos and Exposure

Before delving into the connection between asbestos exposure and rectal cancer, it is crucial to understand what asbestos is and how exposure occurs.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals composed of thin, fibrous crystals.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) lists six types of asbestos minerals.

Types of asbestos minerals include:

1. Chrysotile
2. Actinolite
3. Tremolite
4. Anthophyllite
5. Crocidolite
6. Amosite

Due to its incredible resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals, asbestos was widespread in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

Common products containing asbestos include insulation, roofing materials, and brake pads.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air, where humans can inhale or ingest them, leading to serious health issues.

Sources of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure occurs in three primary settings.

Primary settings include:

• Occupational Asbestos Exposure: Workers in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and other similar industries are at an increased risk of asbestos exposure.
  • For example, construction workers may encounter asbestos in older buildings during renovations, while shipbuilders may be vulnerable when working on ships constructed before the restriction of asbestos use.
• Non-Occupational or Environmental Asbestos Exposure: Individuals living in older homes or buildings built before the 1980s may also be susceptible to asbestos exposure. Environmental contamination — such as asbestos in soil or water — is another non-occupational exposure route.
• Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure: Exposure to asbestos is possible through contact with someone who has been in direct contact with this toxic mineral.
  • For example, asbestos-exposed workers may bring home asbestos fibers on their clothes, shoes, tools, or bodies, exposing their family members to the harmful substance.

How Asbestos Fibers Enter the Body

Inhalation is the primary route through which asbestos fibers enter the body.

Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs or other organs.

Although less common, ingestion is another route of exposure.

Asbestos fibers can travel through the digestive system if swallowed, potentially reaching the colon and rectum.

As a result of long-term exposure, victims may develop colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer), the second leading cause of cancer deaths for American men and women combined.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies asbestos as a known carcinogen, meaning it is proven to cause cancer in humans.

These tiny fibers can attach to the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach, leading to various types of cancer.

Most medical studies provide sufficient evidence supporting the link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, mesothelioma, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

While still not conclusive, research on the connection between asbestos and colorectal cancer is indicative.

Asbestos and Rectal Cancer: The Scientific Link

Once inside the body, asbestos fibers can cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage, which are critical factors in cancer development.

When asbestos fibers reach the colon or rectum, they may embed themselves in the tissue lining, leading to cellular mutations and, eventually, colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer can refer to either colon or rectal cancer.

These two types of cancer share many similarities, including risk factors; that’s why they are frequently grouped together.

More specifically, colon cancer refers to cancer that begins in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine), while rectal cancer starts in the rectum (the last six inches of the large intestine).

Review of Scientific Studies

Many medical studies have been conducted over the years to explore the connection between asbestos exposure and rectal cancer.

Studies include:

• A 2005 study discovered evidence of excess colorectal cancer incidence in men exposed to asbestos. Notably, heavy smokers and those prone to occupational exposure have a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer.
• A 2019 systematic review observed a significant connection between colorectal cancer and occupational asbestos exposure. Researchers discovered that asbestos-exposed workers are particularly vulnerable to colorectal cancer risk. Additionally, the risk of colorectal cancer fatality increases with longer durations of exposure.
• A 2019 study looked into the causal relationship between asbestos exposure and gastric and rectal cancers. Two cases of Korean workers exposed to asbestos for at least 40 years had developed gastric and rectal cancer, respectively, proving that asbestos exposure is a risk factor for gastric and rectal cancers.
• A 2020 meta-analysis discovered that asbestos-exposed workers, specifically male asbestos cement workers, are 1.07 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than the general population.

While more research is needed to establish the link between asbestos exposure and rectal cancer fully, these studies provide compelling evidence that asbestos fibers can increase the risk of developing rectal cancer.

Symptoms of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer often presents with symptoms that may be mistaken for less serious conditions, which is why early detection is crucial.

Common symptoms include:

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty are common symptoms of rectal cancer.
• Blood in the Stool: Blood in the stool can signify various health issues, including rectal cancer. If you notice any blood during bowel movements, seek medical attention immediately.
• Abdominal Discomfort: Pain, cramping, or bloating in the abdomen may also be a symptom of rectal cancer.
• Advanced Symptoms: These include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and anemia, which may indicate that the cancer has progressed.

Aside from symptoms, awareness of risk factors is also critical in the early diagnosis of rectal cancer.

Common risk factors include:

• Age
• Lifestyle
• Occupation
• Obesity
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

If you experience any symptoms, prone to risk factors, or have a history of asbestos exposure, consult a medical professional for proper rectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic Procedures for Rectal Cancer

Early detection of rectal cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes.

The diagnostic process typically involves:

• Colonoscopy: In this procedure, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the rectum and colon for polyps or tumors.
• Biopsy: During a colonoscopy, the doctor takes tissue samples to determine if cancer cells are present.
• Imaging Studies: CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans can help determine the extent of cancer.
• Asbestos Exposure History: A detailed history of asbestos exposure is crucial to diagnose rectal cancer in individuals who have worked in high-risk industries or lived in asbestos-contaminated environments.

During rectal cancer diagnosis, your doctor will determine the cancer stage or how far the cancer has spread.

Rectal cancer is staged from I to IV, with stage I being the least severe and stage IV being the most advanced.

At stage IV, your condition will likely become metastatic cancer, meaning it has spread the cancer cells to other organs in the body.

Types of Rectal Cancer

Most rectal cancers begin in the cells lining the rectum’s innermost layer.

There are several types of rectal cancer based on the type of cells involved.

Types include:

• Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common form of rectal cancer, making up the majority of cases. It originates in the mucus-secreting glands of the rectum.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This less common type arises from the squamous cells that line the rectum.
• Small Cell Carcinoma: This rare and aggressive form of rectal cancer develops in the nerve cells of the rectum.
• Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors: These are slow-growing tumors that start in hormone-producing cells of the rectum.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): These tumors are rare and can occur in any part of the digestive tract, including the rectum.

Treatment Options and Prognosis

Rectal cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage, the patient’s overall health, and other factors.

Standard treatment options include:

• Surgery: This procedure is often the first line of rectal cancer treatment, aiming to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It often goes with surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Certain drugs can kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Patients may undergo chemotherapy before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• Emerging Treatments: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer approaches that focus on specific characteristics of cancer cells or boost the body’s immune response against cancer.

The prognosis for rectal cancer varies depending on factors such as the cancer stage at diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and whether asbestos exposure has exacerbated the disease.

Early-stage rectal cancer has a better prognosis, with higher survival rates.

Asbestos-related cancers may have a more challenging treatment course due to the additional damage asbestos fibers can cause in the body.

Impact of Rectal Cancer on Patients

Rectal cancer can significantly impact a patient’s well-being and quality of life.

Physical and Emotional Effects

Rectal cancer can profoundly affect a patient’s physical and emotional well-being.

Effects include:

• Physical Complications: These may include bowel obstruction, metastasis (spread of cancer to other organs), and side effects from treatments such as fatigue, nausea, and neuropathy.
• Emotional and Psychological Burden: A rectal cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Coping mechanisms — including counseling and support groups — are crucial for managing these challenges.

Financial and Social Impact

Rectal cancer treatment can also have a significant financial and social impact on patients and their families.

Impacts include:

• Medical Expenses: The cost of treating rectal cancer can be significant, encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care.
• Loss of Income: Many patients may be unable to work during treatment, leading to financial strain.
• The Strain on Family and Relationships: The impact of rectal cancer extends beyond the patient, affecting family dynamics and relationships.
• Challenges in Accessing Support Services: Patients may find it difficult to navigate the healthcare system or access necessary support services, further exacerbating the burden of the disease.

Legal Recourse: Filing an Asbestos Rectal Cancer Lawsuit

Asbestos lawsuits are legal actions brought by individuals who have developed asbestos-related illnesses, such as rectal cancer, due to exposure.

These lawsuits generally pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

It is crucial to act promptly due to statutes of limitations, which restrict the time frame within which you can file a lawsuit.

If you fail to file within the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Documenting Asbestos Exposure

Successfully filing an asbestos lawsuit requires thorough documentation of asbestos exposure.

This process includes:

• Employment Records: Keep documentation of your employment history, including job titles and responsibilities, locations of employment, and any potential asbestos exposure.
• Medical Records: Gather medical records documenting your diagnosis, treatment course, and other health conditions related to asbestos exposure.
• Witness Testimony: Collect statements from coworkers, friends, or family members who can attest that your exposure to asbestos caused your condition.

Potential Compensation

Victims of asbestos-related rectal cancer may be entitled to various forms of compensation.

Compensation includes:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills related to rectal cancer treatment
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to inability to work
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain endured

If a loved one has passed away due to asbestos-related rectal cancer, family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

It is essential to seek legal counsel with experience in asbestos litigation to protect your rights.

TorHoerman Law: Asbestos Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with rectal cancer and suspect that asbestos exposure may be the cause, it is crucial to seek legal advice.

TorHoerman Law offers free consultations to help you understand your legal options and determine if you have a valid asbestos rectal cancer lawsuit.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve.

Contact us for a free case review.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the asbestos lawsuit instantly.