The misdiagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in veterans

PFAS contamination at military installations puts veterans at higher risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but healthcare providers often fail to recognize the relationship. Since this disease accounts for about 4% of all cancers nationwide, proper diagnosis becomes crucial for veterans whose chemical exposure may have caused their illness. Misdiagnosis not only delays essential treatment but can also prove fatal when aggressive forms of the disease go undetected.

Any veteran experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, especially if they have a history of chemical exposure:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Drenching night sweats
• Unexplained wealth loss
• Extreme fatigue or physical weakness
• Chest pain and shortness of breath

Why non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is frequently misdiagnosed in veterans

Healthcare providers commonly misdiagnose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as influenza, Hodgkin's lymphoma, cat scratch fever, HIV, various infections, and mononucleosis. Many doctors overlook non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and fail to recommend blood and urine tests that could rule out other illnesses. Even when biopsies are performed, pathologists sometimes misinterpret results, causing further delays.

The diagnostic challenge is compounded because many healthcare institutions don't immediately connect service-related chemical exposure to current health problems. Symptoms may not appear until 10 years after PFAS exposure.

PFAS exposure raises non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk

More than 700 military sites across the country are contaminated with PFAS, primarily from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires. Several groups face particularly high exposure risks of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma:

• Active and retired military personnel stationed at contaminated bases
• Family members of veterans who lived at contaminated military installations
• Military firefighters and emergency personnel who used PFAS-containing foam
• Personnel who worked with or around petroleum-based fuels and fire suppression systems

Multiple types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma complicate diagnosis

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma includes dozens of subtypes, making it an extremely complex disease to diagnose accurately. Veterans should be aware that their diagnosis might include terms that seem unrelated at first glance. Common subtypes that may develop following PFAS exposure include:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• Mantle cell lymphoma
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma
• Burkitt lymphoma
• Marginal zone lymphoma
• Follicular lymphoma
• T-cell lymphoma
• MALT lymphoma

Get help with your PFAS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma case

It can be devastating for veterans to receive a misdiagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. ELG Law has helped victims with toxic exposure for over 30 years and understands the complexities of PFAS lawsuits.

If you intend to file a PFAS claim after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we can help you obtain just compensation. Contact us for a free case evaluation.