Agent Orange is a herbicide used by the United States military during the Vietnam War to defoliate the dense forests and remove the enemy’s hiding places. Unfortunately, this toxic chemical has left a lasting impact on the environment and the health of the people exposed.
Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War and were exposed to Agent Orange are at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Due to the aggressive nature of this cancer and the potential link with Agent Orange exposure, veterans must be aware of their risk and monitor their health closely. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes pancreatic cancer as a presumptive condition associated with Agent Orange exposure, meaning that veterans who develop this cancer may be eligible for disability compensation and healthcare benefits.
In this article, we will learn about the effects of Agent Orange exposure and how it has been linked to pancreatic cancer.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help with digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer can be divided into two main types: exocrine and neuroendocrine tumors.
- Exocrine tumors are the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 95% of cases. These tumors develop in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas and produce digestive enzymes. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of exocrine tumor.
- Neuroendocrine tumors are less common and develop in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and the symptoms and treatment options depend on the type of tumor.
Pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms in the early stages, and when symptoms do appear, they can be vague and nonspecific. Common pancreatic cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, and fatigue. Because many other conditions can cause these symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often not diagnosed until it has advanced to a later stage.
Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often aggressive cancer that is difficult to treat. Treatment for pancreatic cancer typically depends on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health. Some common treatments for pancreatic cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often the first line of treatment for pancreatic cancer, especially if the cancer is localized and hasn’t spread to other body parts. The most common surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer is a pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple procedure. During this surgery, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and sometimes a portion of the stomach.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
It’s important to note that pancreatic cancer is often difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate. Early detection is key to improving the chances of successful treatment. Talking to your doctor about your situation and the best treatment options is important.
Does Agent Orange cause pancreatic cancer?
Agent Orange was a potent mixture of two chemicals, 2,4-D, and 2,4,5-T, which contained the highly toxic dioxin, TCDD. When exposed to Agent Orange, the toxic chemicals can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Once inside the body, dioxin, the most harmful component of Agent Orange, can accumulate in fat tissue and cause various health problems. These include damage to the immune system, liver dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. The chemical can also cause cellular damage, which may lead to the development of cancer.
Agent Orange exposure has been linked to several types of cancers, including:
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Prostate cancer
- Respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, and trachea)
- Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms, with a low survival rate. Research has shown a potential link between exposure to Agent Orange and the development of pancreatic cancer. A study by the National Academy of Sciences found that Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange had a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those not exposed. However, more research is needed to better understand the connection between Agent Orange and pancreatic cancer.
2nd Generation Agent Orange Symptoms
There is growing concern that the children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange may also be at risk of developing health problems. Some studies suggest that these “second-generation” symptoms may include birth defects, developmental disabilities, and an increased risk of certain cancers. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand the potential health risks for the children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
The VA recognizes certain birth defects in Veterans’ children associated with their service in Vietnam or Korea. Spina bifida, except for spina bifida occulta, is linked to Agent Orange or other herbicides exposure during qualifying service.
Birth defects in women veterans’ children are associated with their military service in Vietnam, regardless of herbicide exposure. Eligible children can receive VA benefits such as compensation, healthcare, and vocational training if they have spina bifida or covered birth defects and are biological children of qualifying Veterans. Children must have been conceived after the Veteran entered Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone during service.
Are You Getting the Benefits You Deserve?
If you have been denied benefits for Agent Orange exposure, contact an experienced VA attorney or expert in veterans law. To maximize your Agent Orange disability benefits, set up a free consultation with the Cameron Firm, PC. Contact us today at (800) 861-7262 or fill out the contact box on our website. We are here to represent veterans nationwide.
