Bile Duct Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Between 1953 and 1987, several hazardous chemicals contaminated the soil and water at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry identified more than 70 substances, including four high-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOCs):

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzene

Toxic substances found in the water at Camp Lejeune are known human carcinogens, linked to diseases such as bile duct cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to toxic substances is among the risk factors for the development of bile duct cancer.

If you or a loved one developed bile duct cancer or other serious health problems after being exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact us at TorHoerman Law for a free case evaluation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you are eligible for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

About Bile Duct Cancer

Bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer.

Biliary cancer occurs in the bile duct — small tubes which carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines.

Due to its purpose, the bile duct has an essential role in the digestion and processing of food, and any disruption to it can have deleterious effects on metabolism and nutrient absorption.

Cholangiocarcinoma is relatively rare but can be aggressive and is categorized based on its location: intrahepatic (within the liver), perihilar (where the ducts leave the liver), or distal (closer to the intestine).

Bile Duct Cancer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Exposure to toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply may increase the risk for bile duct cancer.

Researchers have linked exposure to toxic chemicals and the onset of biliary cancer.

Scientific research on the links between bile duct cancer and toxic substances include:

• Journal of the National Cancer Institute: Risk of cancer among workers exposed to trichloroethylene: analysis of three Nordic cohort studies
• Journal of Epidemiology: Mortality of aerospace workers exposed to trichloroethylene
• American Journal of Industrial Medicine: Retrospective cohort study of a microelectronics and business machine facility
• International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health: Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene and cancer risk for workers at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
• Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery: Occupational cholangiocarcinoma caused by exposure to 1,2‐dichloropropane and/or dichloromethane
• Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Volatile organic compounds in bile for early diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: a pilot study
• Journal of Liver Research: Exhaled volatile organic compounds for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis
• World Journal of Gastroenterology: Cholangiocarcinoma: A compact review of the literature

Other Causes of Bile Duct Cancer

Bile duct cancer has been attributed to various causes.

Like many forms of cancer, bile duct cancer may be due to infections, chronic inflammation, and genetics.

Possible causes and risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer include:

• Chronic inflammation of the bile ducts: Conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis can lead to scars in the bile ducts, increasing the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
• Bile duct diseases: Conditions like bile duct cysts or congenital bile duct abnormalities can increase the risk.
• Liver diseases: Chronic liver conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can elevate the risk.
• Parasitic infections: Infections like liver flukes, which are associated with undercooked fish, can increase bile duct cancer risk.
• Age: Older age can be a risk factor.
• Obesity: Being obese can increase the risk of many types of cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma.
• Exposure to chemicals: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, especially those involved in the oil and rubber industries, may elevate the risk.
• History of gallstones: Though the relationship isn’t entirely clear, some studies suggest a connection between gallstones and higher risk of bile duct cancer.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can increase the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Chronic and excessive alcohol intake may elevate the risk.
• Genetic factors: There might be a genetic predisposition in some cases, though this is less understood.

Bile Duct Cancer Complications

The complications from bile duct cancer are often due to the disruptions in bile flow.

Bile is a substance procured by the liver that aids in the emulsification of foods.

Due to its role, it helps with nutrient absorption and digestion.

The obstruction of bile can lead to various adverse health effects and complications, including:

• Jaundice: This is one of the most common complications. When the bile ducts are blocked by the tumor, bile can’t drain properly, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Liver dysfunction: If the bile isn’t draining appropriately, it can lead to liver damage and eventually liver failure.
• Cholangitis: An infection of the bile ducts can occur if bile becomes trapped and subsequently gets infected. This condition can be life-threatening.
• Portal hypertension: The tumor can block the portal vein, leading to increased blood pressure in the vein, which can result in swelling and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Ascites: The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity due to liver dysfunction.
• Malnutrition: Difficulty absorbing fats and vitamins due to reduced bile flow can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
• Pain: The tumor itself or its pressure on surrounding structures can cause significant pain.
• Spread (metastasis) of cancer: Cholangiocarcinoma can spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver, lungs, and bones.
• Biliary fistula: An abnormal connection between the bile ducts and nearby structures, such as the intestines.
• Bile duct stricture: Scarring of the bile ducts either from the tumor itself or from treatments, causing narrowing and reduced bile flow.
• Blood clots: People with cholangiocarcinoma may have an increased risk of blood clots in large veins, especially in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).

Early detection and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma can help manage or prevent some of these complications.

Regular follow-up care for those diagnosed with bile duct cancer is crucial.

In the worst-case scenario, the obstruction of bile can cause the liver to overcompensate, leading to liver cancer.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Toxic substances contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for over 30 years, from 1953 until 1987.

For decades, military service members, their family members, civilian workers, and others drank and bathed in contaminated water often without knowing that it was contaminated with volatile organic compounds linked to cancer.

The federal government and Camp Lejeune officials did little to stop the water contamination or provide relief and benefits to affected individuals.

Several pieces of legislation were introduced with the aim of covering the health care expenses of Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members.

One piece of legislation was the 2012 Camp Lejeune Families Act, an act requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to give VA health care benefits to those affected in the incident.

While some received health care benefits and VA disability compensation, many veterans were denied benefits.

In 2022, Congress and President Joe Biden signed into law the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act, which allows former residents to pursue compensation from the federal government.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows victims to file compensation claims, and if their claims are not adjudicated by the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) within six months, victims can file Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Since the law’s passing in August 2022, nearly 100,000 claims have been filed, and many individuals have initiated Camp Lejeune litigation.

Possible Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to many cancer and non-cancer diagnoses.

Camp Lejeune victims have developed a number of severe health conditions, and countless veterans exposed to contaminated water have passed away.

Certain cancer diagnoses potentially linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Brain Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Appendix Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Intestinal Cancer
• Sinus Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Spinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Non-cancer diagnoses suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:

• Hepatic Steatosis
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aplastic Anemia
• Kidney Disease
• Scleroderma
• ALS
• Lupus
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Infertility
• Renal Toxicity
• Autoimmune Disease
• Birth Defects
• Liver Disease
• Cognitive Disability
• Microcephaly
• Renal Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Hypersensitive Skin Disorder
• Nerve Damage
• Oral Cleft

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions, and for years they could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Organizations such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified several waste disposal sites and underground fuel storage tanks in and around Camp Lejeune to be the sources of water contamination.

Based on the EPA’s findings, 48,000 pounds of toxic chemicals were in the base’s underground storage tanks, groundwater, and soil, placing more than a million military service members at risk.

Two water treatment facilities were seen to have the highest concentrations of VOCs: Hadnot Treatment Plant and the Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant.

These facilities supplied drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

With many ingesting the toxic water, thousands of former residents and active duty personnel developed various conditions, including cancers and autoimmune issues.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

The EPA and ATSDR identified four VOCs to be in high amounts in the base’s water and soil.

These VOCs include the following:

• Vinyl chloride
• Benzene
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)

These VOCs have been linked to various cancers and other health conditions.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Claim?

Thousands of former Camp Lejeune residents and family members are filing claims for compensation.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

If your family member passed away as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Camp Lejeune law firms can help victims and their families seek justice, completing crucial steps of the legal process such as gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering evidence is a critical step in filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit claim.

This is a part of the process that Camp Lejeune victims can begin on their own, but experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you gather and retain evidence crucial to your case.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served
• Medical records and diagnoses
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health care information
• Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Ensuring you receive a just settlement involves a meticulous evaluation of your losses.

Our Camp Lejeune attorneys consider your financial hardships and will add medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation bills to your settlement calculation.

Potential damages in Camp Lejeune claims may include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits are being filed by victims across the country.

Former residents of Camp Lejeune can now seek compensation, but the Camp Lejeune Justice Act only allows claims for two years since the act was passed (August 10th, 2024).

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact us at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit instantly.

Our Camp Lejeune lawyers are here to help you throughout the legal process in pursuit of full and adequate compensation.

Reach out to our law firm for more information about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, Camp Lejeune lawsuits, and more.