What’s the Problem

Our lawyers are reviewing potential lawsuits for people who were diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) after using or being exposed to Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer. SLL is a slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that attacks the immune system.

Review Links Glyphosate to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization (WHO), which found “convincing evidence” that the weed killer caused cancer in laboratory animals. A review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that glyphosate exposure doubled the risk for many types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans. Rates of these cancers have increased in recent years, coinciding with the widespread use of glyphosate on “Roundup Ready” crops, which are genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide.

What is Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma?

Small lymphocytic lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that affects the B-lymphocytes of the immune system. These B-cells may be present in lymph nodes and lymphoid tissues such as the spleen and the tonsils. SLL has many similarities to a type of leukemia called chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) which also affects the B-cells, primarily in the blood and bone marrow, with lymph node involvement also possible.

Symptoms

Many patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma may not have any obvious symptoms for months or even years after they develop the disease. When they do present, however, symptoms of SLL (which may vary depending on the location of the tumor) may include:

  • Tender, swollen abdomen
  • Feeling full even after eating only a small amount
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anemia
  • Bruising easily
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections

Staging

Once small lymphocytic lymphoma is diagnosed, tests are done to determine the stage (extent of spread) of the disease. The treatment and prognosis for a patient with SLL will depend in part on the stage of the lymphoma.

Tests used to determine staging include:

  • Physical exam
  • Biopsies of enlarged lymph nodes or other abnormal areas
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging tests, such as CT scans
  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Treatment

There are currently five basic forms of treatment for patients diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma:

  • Watchful waiting (no treatment given) in which the patient is closely monitored to see if/when treatment should be started;
  • Drug therapy (chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and targeted or biologic therapies)
  • Stem cell transplantation
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy)

Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Small lymphocytic lymphoma tends to be a slow-growing (indolent) cancer. In time, though, SLL can turn into a more aggressive type of lymphoma. After initial treatment, many people have a period of remission, when there are no symptoms of active disease. The illness may not return.

However, in some patients small lymphocytic leukemia may come back. If it returns, doctors can treat you again. Treatment for disease that returns can be successful, and you may have another period of remission. This keeps your lymphoma under control for many years.

Lawsuits Mount Against Monsanto Over Roundup Cancer Link

Plaintiffs across the U.S. have filed lawsuits against Monsanto alleging the company exposed them to an “unreasonably dangerous” chemical, and that Roundup’s labeling carries no warning that it may increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, the complaints allege that Monsanto has known for at least 30 years that glyphosate is dangerous to the environment and human health, and that the company has engaged in a prolonged campaign of misinformation to convince government agencies and the public that Roundup is safe. In October 2016, all federal Roundup lawsuits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2741) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California before Judge Vince Chhabria.

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FREE Confidential Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma after using or being exposed to Roundup weed killer, you may be eligible to obtain compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help. Contact a Roundup attorney today for a Free Confidential Case Evaluation by filling out the form below or calling toll free 24/hrs a day by dialing (866) 223-3784.


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