Camp Lejeune water contamination has led to at least sixteen medical conditions thus far. It is challenging for officials to know the full extent of the water contamination crisis as there needs to be more research. If you were a resident at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, you must look for the following symptoms. The VOC chemicals in the water cause various ailments like cancer, congenital disabilities, and other problems. If you suffer one of these conditions, you can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and get compensation from the government for its negligence.
Bladder cancer
Your bladder is essential to clear out your system of toxins. You may experience blood in your urine, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and painful urination. You can also suffer from frequent urination, like using the bathroom five or more times in one night or urinating once every hour without cause.
Breast cancer
Women at Camp Lejeune should look for changes in the size or shape of their breasts. You should also look for lumps, nipple discharge, and skin texture changes. These symptoms require medical attention.
Cervical cancer
The cervix is found in the uterus when exposed to HPV, like in the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, cervical cancer results. Women should look for bleeding after sexual intercourse and pain during intercourse. You can also experience bleeding between periods as a sign of cervical cancer.
Esophageal cancer
While it is the rarest form of cancer, it is also the deadliest. Most sufferers will have a 20% survival rate of five years. Cancer also spreads to other areas of the body and often goes undetected. You should get a medical evaluation if you experience difficulty swallowing, throat or back pain, and weight loss.
Kidney cancer
Those exposed to the water for long periods have a higher risk of kidney cancer. Look for blood in urine, a mass in your abdomen, and side pain. You will need a doctor to send for various diagnostic tests to determine what is wrong with your kidney.
Liver cancer
Men on base have a higher chance of liver cancer since the chemicals in the water damage the DNA. You may have liver cancer if you suffer fatigue, jaundice, weight loss, or abdominal pain.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Your lymph nodes control your immune system, and damage or disease will affect your entire body. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. If the condition is found early enough, there are treatment options available.
Adult leukemia
Treatment options for adult leukemia include radiation and chemotherapy. The Benzene chemical is the culprit of adult leukemia which was heavily found in the water at Camp Lejeune. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, easy bruising, and fatigue.
Other Camp Lejeune Illnesses
While the first eight conditions are recognized as presumptive, others are not on the list but are common among Camp Lejeune water contamination victims. The following are other conditions you may suffer from water contamination.
Aplastic anemia
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and easy bruising. The only treatment option is a bone marrow transplant.
Multiple myeloma
Symptoms of multiple myeloma overlap with other cancers and include bone pain, nausea, anemia, fractures, and frequent infections.
Renal toxicity
You can suffer kidney failure from renal toxicity, and symptoms include blood in the urine and swollen feet, ankles, and legs. You will also experience weakness, nausea, and frequent urination.
Scleroderma
The disease can affect different body parts; therefore, symptoms will range depending on the affected body part. Symptoms can induce heartburn, numbness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the arms and legs.
Hepatic steatosis
You will suffer weight loss, fatigue, and pain in the upper right abdomen. Victims must make lifestyle changes and take medication.
Infertility
The inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse constitutes infertility. There are no other symptoms, and there is no treatment.
Lung cancer
The most prevalent sign of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away. Additionally, you will experience chest pain, wheezing, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.
Neurobehavioral effects
There are several diseases in this category so symptoms will vary, but you will often have problems focusing, learning, and social interactions. You can have ALS or Parkinson’s disease.
What can you do if you have symptoms?
If you suffer any symptoms, you need to discuss your options with a medical professional for a diagnosis. If you were at Camp Lejeune, you would also need to take legal action by contacting Kwartler Manus, LLC, at (267) 457-5570 and speaking with a Camp Lejeune injury lawyer immediately.