Thousands of people have filed lawsuits against Monsanto alleging that exposure to Roundup, one of the company’s most popular glyphosate-containing herbicides, was a proximate cause of their cancer diagnosis. According to The Guardian, exposure to glyphosate could increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma by more than 40 percent.
Thankfully, advancements in oncology have made it possible to diagnose non-Hodgkin lymphoma in its early stages, thus increasing the overall efficacy of treatment. The best approach to treatment, however, depends on many factors including the specific type of lymphoma and its severity.
There are two primary kinds of non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
B-Cell Lymphomas
B-cell lymphomas are blood cancers that affect the B cells, which are produced in the bone marrow and are responsible for generating antibodies. Most cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma start in the B cells. Common subtypes include follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and Burkitt lymphoma.
T-Cell Lymphomas
As the name implies, T-cell lymphomas are cancers that affect the T-cells. There are several kinds of T lymphocytes. Some are responsible for destroying abnormal cells or foreign invaders while others help calibrate the body’s immune response. T-cell lymphoma subtypes include cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
What Is the Difference Between an Indolent Lymphoma and an Aggressive Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can also be characterized by its rate of growth. Indolent lymphomas are those that grow and metastasize slowly. As such, they may not necessarily require immediate medical intervention. Instead, doctors might opt to take a “watch and wait” approach. Follicular lymphoma, which affects B cells, is the most common kind of indolent lymphoma in the U.S.
Aggressive lymphomas, on the other hand, are those that grow and spread rapidly. They typically require immediate treatment. The most common type of aggressive lymphoma in the U.S. is diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
How Are Lymphomas Treated?
Some of the most effective approaches to treating lymphomas include:
- Chemotherapy;
- Radiation therapy;
- Bone marrow transplant;
- Biological therapy drugs; and
- Radioimmunotherapy drugs.
Qualifying patients may also be able to enter one or more clinical trials over the course of their treatment. The Mayo Clinic has dozens of ongoing trials to support their research on non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If you’re interested in a clinical trial, ask your oncologist about eligibility.
Call (601) 265-7766 to Set up a Free Consultation with a Product Liability Lawyer in Jackson
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and you think exposure to a glyphosate-containing weed killer like Roundup is to blame, contact Coxwell & Associates. Unlike general practice law firms, we focus on only a few legal areas, so we have an in-depth understanding of the case law, statutes, and procedures that pertain to product liability claims. Our attorneys have extensive experience and a track record of success in these cases, as well as the resources to take on even the largest corporations. Call (601) 265-7766 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a case evaluation with a product liability attorney in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.