Roundup lawsuits accuse Monsanto of failing to warn about the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. About 4% of cases involve a rare type of skin cancer called Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Roundup induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with skin lymphoma, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Roundup Skin Exposure Health Risks
Roundup contains two chemicals that can cause serious skin irritation — the herbicide glyphosate and a surfactant called POEA. Roundup on your skin does not usually cause allergic reactions. However, many people develop an itchy red rash known as contact dermatitis, which is skin inflammation due to direct damage. The symptoms usually clear up in 2-3 weeks.
Roundup Linked to Lymphoma in Farm-Workers
In 2015, health experts with the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Roundup a “probable human carcinogen.” Their conclusions were based on studies of farm-workers around the world that found higher rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. No one knows if Roundup causes cancer, but many people say they would have taken extra precautions if they had known about the risk.
Roundup Lawsuits
Monsanto insists Roundup is perfectly safe and does not need warning labels about lymphoma. In recent years, dozens of lawsuits have been filed by farm-workers who developed lymphoma after using Roundup without protective gear. Monsanto is accused of ignoring evidence and downplaying risks to protect profits.
What is Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma?
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare skin lymphoma that occurs when white blood cells called T-lymphocytes (T-cells) grow out of control inside the skin. Unlike most skin cancers, CTCL is a subtype of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (4% of all cases).
Types of Skin Lymphoma
About 50% of patients are diagnosed with a slow-growing subtype of CTCL known as Mycosis fungoides. About 5% develop a fast-growing type of CTCL known as Sézary syndrome that causes a rash all over the body and spreads rapidly to the bloodstream.
Warning Signs of Cutaneous Lymphoma
The earliest symptom is usually a scaly, red rash on parts of the body that are not normally exposed to the sun. The rash closely resembles eczema, but it does not improve with eczema creams. It may eventually cause small bumps, hard lesions, or tumors on the skin.
Does Roundup Cause Skin Lymphoma?
No one knows what causes skin lymphoma, but exposure to toxic chemicals is a risk-factor. CTCL is also twice as common in men than women. It is more likely in people with chronic immune disorders.
Symptoms of CTCL
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Rash
- Pain
- Dry skin
- Chronic itchiness
- Small raised bumps (papules) or hard lesions
- Tumors on the skin
- Ulcers (wounds that do not heal)
- Infections
Complications
Severe itching is the most common complication of CTCL. The skin is also vulnerable to infections and ulcers (sores that do not heal). About 10% of cases spread to the lymph nodes, blood, or internal organs.
Diagnosis & Tests
CTCL is often misdiagnosed because it resembles common skin conditions like eczema in its early stages. Diagnosis often involves multiple biopsies from the skin and lymph nodes, blood tests, and imaging scans. The average age of diagnosis is 50-60 years old.
Treatment
Cutaneous lymphoma is hard to treat because it grows so slowly that normal cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation do not work. Few people can be cured, but most cases are not life-threatening. Treatment focuses on caring for chronic skin problems.
Coping & Support Networks
Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation (CLF) is a non-profit group with over 700 members that promotes awareness, information, and research. Here are a few more resources for non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
Do I have a Roundup Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Roundup induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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