Monsanto aggressively defends the safety of Roundup, but a growing number of lawsuits have been filed by people who say it causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. One rare subtype is Anaplastic T-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).
Need a Texas Roundup Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is Roundup?
Roundup is a $5 billion-per-year herbicide that is sprayed on over 80% of American cropland. Most of these crops are genetically-engineered (GMO) to survive Roundup. You might be eating tiny amounts of Roundup every day in foods like oats, bread, eggs, and honey.
Is Roundup Toxic?
Roundup combines the weed-killer glyphosate with POEA, a chemical that helps get glyphosate into the plant. Experts disagree on whether glyphosate is toxic, but there is no disagreement on POEA. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that POEA has “known toxic effects on aquatic organisms.” The agency originally classified glyphosate as “possibly carcinogenic” in the 1990s, but reversed its decision under pressure from the industry.
WHO: Roundup Probably Causes Cancer
In 2015, experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Roundup was a “probable human carcinogen” based on three studies in the U.S., Canada, and Sweden linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in farm-workers. The experts also found “sufficient evidence” that Roundup can cause cancer in rats and mice based on four studies that found higher rates of pancreatic tumors, kidney tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.
What is Anaplastic T-Cell Lymphoma?
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a cancer that occurs when white blood cells called T-lymphocytes (T-cells) grow uncontrollably. It is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in 2% of patients.
Systemic Lymphoma
ALCL in the body is usually a fast-growing cancer that spreads quickly. It usually occurs in the lymph nodes, but can also occur in organs or bone marrow. There are two subtypes of systemic ALCL:
- ALK-positive: Mostly occurs in children and over 70% have long-term disease-free survival after treatment.
- ALK-negative: Mostly occurs in adults over 60 years old and has a 50% rate of long-term survival after treatment.
Skin Lymphoma
ALCL in the skin is also known as Primary Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL). It usually grows very slowly for years and only 10% of cases spread beyond the skin. Most cases are curable. Patients develop raised bumps, lesions, nodules, ulcers, or tumors anywhere on the body. They are itchy and do not heal well.
Symptoms of ALCL
- Skin lesions
- Raised red bumps that do not go away
- Lymphomatoid papulosis
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Lumps on the neck, armpit, or groin
- And more
Risk-Factors for Anaplastic T-Cell Lymphoma
Experts do not know what causes lymphoma, but exposure to carcinogenic chemicals is a risk-factor. Lymphoma can occur in people of all ages, including children, but is most common in adults 45-60 years old. It is also more common in men than women.
How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
The only way to diagnose lymphoma is with a biopsy (tissue sample) from an enlarged lymph node or skin tumor. The biopsy is examined under a microscope by a doctor who looks for cancer cells. The stage is diagnosed with blood tests, CT scans, MRI, or bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment for ALCL
Unlike solid tumor cancers, even advanced lymphomas can be successfully treated. ALCL in the skin is treated with a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. ALCL in the body responds well to common first-line chemotherapy treatments such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone).
Coping & Support
Need a Roundup Lawyer in Texas?
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Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Roundup lawyers for a free lawsuit review.