Railroad Settlement and Esophageal CancerRail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing substances at their work environment. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases as a result exposures.Our lawyers obtained summary judgment in a case before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on behalf of a large railroad company. Plaintiff alleged his cancer was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust, creosote and asbestos.Risk FactorsDifferent factors can affect the type of cancer in the esophagus. Some of these risk factors are able to be altered, but others like the age of the person and their family history are not able to be changed. The most common form of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells called squamous cells, that make up the majority of the lining on the esophagus. This cancer is more prevalent for blacks and men however the rate is decreasing across the globe.The esophagus also houses glandular cells that release mucus to help with the passage of food into the stomach. The cells are located close to the stomach in the lower portion of the esophagus. union pacific lawsuit settlements encountered type of esophageal tumors in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors are found in black and male people, but they're also on the decline in the United States. union pacific lawsuit settlements of esophageal carcinoma increases when one smokes tobacco and drinks alcohol. Heavy drinking for a long period of time increases the chance of developing squamous-cell cancer. This includes tea brewed in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Beer is also associated with the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.Railroad workers are regularly exposed to toxins that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer, such as solvents employed in cleaning equipment as well as herbicides used along rail tracks in order to prevent the growth of weeds such as lead paint on railway bridges and facilities as well as exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica derived from industrial materials. The benzene found in creosote an extremely toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties can also contribute to this cancer.DiagnosisA diagnosis early can increase the chances of surviving. The earlier the cancer is identified the more likely it will be to be treated. Initial symptoms include difficulty swallowing and weight loss, coughing, hoarseness and chest pain.Imaging tests can be utilized by a physician to diagnose esophageal carcinoma. These can include an upper gastrointestinal study using a barium swallow. The test involves swallowing a harmless chalky liquid that is intended to be a coating on the inside of the esophagus. This makes it visible on X-rays. The doctor can also order blood tests to determine if there is anemia or to determine how the liver is functioning.Railroad workers who are diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma may be eligible for compensation from railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal cancer attorney can evaluate a person's situation and discuss the rights they have to claim financial compensation in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin assembling evidence to prove the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was the result of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, asbestos and other chemicals. An attorney can also assist in determining the right amount of compensation for both economic and non-economic loss.TreatmentRailroad workers are exposed a number of dangerous substances, including diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal cancer by damaging the lining of your throat. Railroad workers also have a higher chance of developing other illnesses due to their job like mesothelioma or lung cancer.The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is also used to transport liquids and food that is swallowed to the digestive tract. Esophageal carcinoma is a form of cancer that develops in the cells that line the lining of the stomach, or mucosa.Several treatment options are available for esophageal tumors. Surgery is typically combined chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Mesothelioma settlements may opt for either endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers at stage I. Both procedures are minimally invasive and do not require the removal of the esophagus. During these treatments doctors use an endoscope for removing precancerous tissues and testing for signs of cancer.Doctors can utilize chemo or a combination of chemo-radiation to treat stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and kill them. Radiation uses high-energy, X-rays instead of a similar method to kill cancerous cells within the esophagus. If the tumor is in the upper part near the stomach, some patients could be treated with chemo rather than radiation.PrognosisPeople who have esophageal carcinoma that is not spreading are generally believed to be in good health. This is especially true if the cancer is detected in its early stages and treated promptly.However, a person's outlook depends on the type of cancer they are suffering from and their stage of cancer at the time they are diagnosed. A person suffering from squamous-cell carcinoma which hasn't spread is believed to have higher survival rates than a patient with adenocarcinoma.In certain cases the doctor may be able to eliminate the tumor completely through surgery. Resection is the word used to describe this. It is especially prevalent in squamous cells and cancers of the adenocarcinoma that have not spread.Federal Employers Liability Act may provide an amount of money to railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic illness that are connected to their job. If you suspect that your illness is due to exposure at work, speak with an experienced attorney for railroad cancer settlement promptly. You have three years under FELA to make an claim. However, if you did not know that your cancer or illness was related to your job at the time of diagnosis, the time of limitations may be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA claims could evaluate your situation and decide if you should accept a first settlement offer.