Railroad Settlement and Esophageal CancerRail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing compounds in their work environments. Some workers develop lung cancer, mesothelioma and other illnesses as a result of their exposures.Our attorneys obtained summary judgement 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 creosote, creosote exhaust and diesel. asbestos.Risk FactorsDifferent factors can affect the kind of cancer that can be found in the esophagus. Certain risk factors can be modified, but others like family history and age aren't. The most common type of esophageal cancer begins in the flat cells that comprise the majority of the lining of the esophagus. They are referred to as squamous cells. The cancer is more prevalent in black and males however, the trend is decreasing across the globe.The esophagus also contains glandular cells that produce mucus to help with the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are concentrated in the lower esophagus near the stomach. The most commonly encountered kind of esophageal tumors that occur in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors are found in men and in black people, but they're also on the decline in the United States.The risk of esophageal cancer for a person increases in proportion to the amount of time they spend smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. A long period of drinking alcohol for a prolonged period of time increases the chance of developing squamous cancer. This includes tea brewed in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Beer is also linked to the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.Railroad workers are exposed to toxins which increase their risk of contracting esophageal cancer. These include solvents used in cleaning equipment and herbicides used along rail tracks to discourage the growth of weeds, lead paint on railway bridges and facilities as well as exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica from industrial materials. This cancer can also be caused by the toxic chemical creosote, which is used to treat railroad tie.DiagnosisA diagnosis that is made early will increase the chances of survival. The earlier cancer is identified the more likely it will be to be treated. Early signs include difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing or hoarseness or chest pain, as well as an impression that food particles are stuck in the throat (dysphagia).A doctor may be able to diagnose esophageal cancer through imaging tests. These tests may include an upper-gastrointestinal study using a barium drink. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid to coat the esophagus' inner surface and reveal it on an X-ray. The doctor may also order blood tests to look for anemia, or to determine how well the liver functions.Railroad workers diagnosed with esophageal cancer may be eligible for compensation from the railroad companies who exposed them to toxic substances at work. A qualified railroad esophageal cancer attorney can assess the circumstances of a client and describe the rights they have to claim financial compensation accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin to gather evidence that a railroad worker's stomach cancer was the result of the exposure they received from asbestos or diesel exhaust fumes as well as other chemicals. An attorney can also assist to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to be paid for economic and non-economic loss.TreatmentRailroad workers are exposed a range of hazardous substances such as creosote and diesel exhaust, asbestos, and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal cancer by damaging the lining of your throat. Railroad workers are also at a greater risk of developing illnesses due to their job like mesothelioma or lung cancer.The esophagus (also known as the hollow muscular tube connects the mouth to the stomach. It is a conduit for liquids and food items 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.There are a variety of treatment options available for cancer of the esophageal tract. Surgery is usually combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.railroad lawsuit settlements  can use either endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers of stage I.  injury settlements  are minimally invasive and do not require removing the esophagus. In these treatments doctors utilize an endoscope to remove precancerous tissues and check for indications of cancer.Doctors can choose to use chemo or a combination of chemo-radiation to treat stage II cancers.  railroad lawsuit settlements  kill cancerous cells. Radiation is based on the same principle but utilizes X-rays of high-energy to kill cancerous cells within the esophagus and in the surrounding tissues. In certain cases patients, it is possible to receive chemo without radiation, if the tumor is located in the upper portion of the esophagus in the vicinity of the stomach.PrognosisAn individual with esophageal tumor that has not recurred (metastasized) is generally considered to have a good prognosis. This is particularly true if cancer is discovered at an early stage, and treated promptly.However, a person's outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of cancer at the time they are diagnosed. A patient with squamous cell cancer that isn't spreading is likely to have better survival rates than someone with adenocarcinoma.In some instances the doctor might be able remove the tumor completely by performing surgery. This is known as Resection. This is more common in adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas that have not mutated.Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illness associated with their job may be eligible for financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect that your illness is due to exposure at work, contact an experienced railroad cancer settlement attorney as soon as possible. You have three years under FELA to file an claim. If you weren't aware that your cancer was related to your job when you were diagnosed the time frame for filing a claim could be extended. A lawyer experienced in FELA claims could assess your situation and decide if you should accept an initial settlement offer.