Railroad Settlement and Esophageal CancerRail workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing substances at their work environment. Some workers develop lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases from their exposures.Our attorneys obtained summary judgement in a case that was filed before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on behalf of a large railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer was triggered by exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote.Risk FactorsThe kind of cancer that develops within an individual's esophagus is determined by several factors. These risk factors may be adjustable, while others like the age or family history can't be changed. The most frequent form of esophageal carcinoma begins in the flat cells called squamous cells, that comprise the majority of the lining that covers the esophagus. It is more prevalent in males and blacks, however this trend is declining across the world.The esophagus is also home to glandular cells which secrete mucus that aids in the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are located near the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas are the most frequent kind of esophageal tumors that are found in these cells. They're more common in men and black individuals, but the trend is declining in the United States.The risk of developing esophageal carcinoma increases when you smoke cigarettes and consumes alcohol. Drinking heavily over a long time increases the probability of developing squamous cell cancer and a variety of drinks are associated with this condition around the globe which includes tea that is brewed in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe, beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.Railroad workers are exposed to toxins that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. These include solvents employed in cleaning equipment and herbicides used along rail tracks to stop the growth of weeds, lead paint on railway bridges and facilities and exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica from industrial material. The benzene in creosote, an extremely toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties may also be a contributing factor to this cancer.DiagnosisEarly detection can increase your chances of survival. This is because esophageal cancer is more curable when it is in the earlier stages and is not spreading to other organs. Initial symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss, coughing, hoarseness, and chest pain.A physician can diagnose esophageal cancer with imaging tests. They can include an upper gastrointestinal study with a swallow of barium. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid that coats the esophagus's inner surface, and then make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor may also request blood tests to check for anemia, and to determine how the liver is performing.Railroad workers who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer could be entitled to compensation by the railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances while at work. A trained railroad esophageal cancer attorney could review an individual's situation and clarify their rights to pursue financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.An experienced FELA attorney can begin to gather evidence that the cancer of the esophagus was caused by the exposure they received from asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can help determine the right amount of compensation for the economic and other damages.TreatmentRailroad workers are exposed various hazardous substances, such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, and creosote. These substances can cause irritation of the throat's lining and can cause cancer of the esophagus. Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma and cancer of the lung.The esophagus or hollow muscular tube connects the mouth with the stomach. It is a conduit for liquids and food that has been taken in to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer can develop in the cells that compose the membrane of the esophagus or mucosa.Esophageal cancer is treated in different ways. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.Doctors can opt for either endoscopic submucosal disection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers in stage I. lung cancer settlements are minimally invasive, and don't require removing the esophagus. In these procedures doctors use an endoscope to take out cancerous tissue and to look for symptoms of cancer.For stage II cancers, doctors may use chemo or the combination of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs attack cancer cells and kill them. Radiation uses high-energy, X-rays instead of a similar principle to destroy cancerous cells in the esophagus. In certain cases patients, they can receive chemotherapy without radiation if the tumor is located in the upper portion of the esophagus in the vicinity of the stomach.PrognosisA patient with esophageal cancer that has not spread (metastasized) is generally considered to have a good prognosis. This is especially true if cancer is discovered in its early stages and treated promptly.However, a person's prognosis depends on the type of cancer they have and the stage of cancer at the time they are diagnosed. For instance, a patient with squamous cells cancer that has not metastasized, is expected to have a better survival rate than someone with adenocarcinoma that has not spread.In Lymphoma lawsuit settlement may be able to eliminate the tumor completely by performing surgery. This is referred to as resection. It is the most frequent procedure in adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas which have not spread. Pancreatic cancer settlement may provide financial compensation to railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic illness that are related to their job. If you suspect that your illness is a result of exposure at work, you should contact an expert railroad settlement lawyer as soon as possible. Under FELA, you have three years to file claims. If, however, you did not realize that your cancer or illness was linked to your job at the time of diagnosis, the time of limitations may be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA cases could evaluate your case and decide if you should accept a settlement.