Brain Cancer

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9/11 Brain Cancer Lawyers

September 11th, 2001 will be remembered as a tragic day in American history. The aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks left many survivors, first responders, and nearby residents in tragic circumstances that have continued to impact their health, even more than 20 years later. With exposure to many harmful elements after 9/11, survivors have contracted a number of illnesses and diseases, including 9/11 brain cancer.

In response to the many victims who continued to suffer from illnesses related to September 11th, the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to either support victims’ recovery or to compensate the families of those who died. Working with a 9/11 benefits lawyer can help you in claiming your benefits while adhering to applicable timelines. If you or a loved one suffer from brain cancer that’s related to September 11th, contact Pitta & Baione LLP to discuss your claim with a 9/11 benefits attorney.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF BRAIN CANCER

Brain cancer can occur in the membrane around the brain, on or around the spinal cord, or within the brain tissue itself. Each part of the brain controls different parts of the body.

Therefore, symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms of brain cancer include:

  • Frequent headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Memory loss
  • Unexplained personality changes

Other symptoms may seem less noticeable. These include:

  • New onset or a change in the pattern of headaches
  • Vision problems (e.g., blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, double vision)
  • Loss of sensation or movement in an arm or leg
  • Balance problems
  • Speech problems
  • Hearing problems
  • General confusion
  • Seizures

Diagnosing brain cancer requires diagnostic testing, which may include MRI, CT or PET scans, as well as a biopsy and other laboratory tests. The type of tumor, as well as the location of the tumor or cancerous cells can vary. This makes identifying brain cancer difficult.

The World Trade Center Health Program can offer covered treatment for brain cancer in 9/11 survivors.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BRAIN CANCER?

There are two main categories of brain cancer: primary brain cancer, which begins in the brain, and secondary brain cancer, which develops elsewhere in the body and eventually spreads to the brain.

Some examples of VCF eligible primary brain cancers include the malignant forms of: 

  • Gliomas: Tumors that begin in the brain or spinal cord
    • Astrocytoma
    • Ependymoma
    • Glioblastoma
    • Oligodendroglioma
  • Meningiomas: Tumors that arise from the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
  • Acoustic neuromas: Tumors that develop on the nerves that control balance and hearing
  • Pituitary carcinomas: Tumors that develop in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain
  • Medulloblastomas: Tumors that begin in the lower back part of the brain and spread through spinal fluid

Secondary brain cancers are more common in adults than primary cancers, and occur most often in people who have a history of cancer. Any kind of cancer can spread to the brain, but some of the most common types include breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

ARE 9/11 SURVIVORS AND RESPONDERS AT RISK OF BRAIN CANCER?

The precise link between exposure to the toxins of 9/11 and cancer is still unknown, but research shows that 9/11 survivors and responders are at a higher risk of developing some type of cancer than the general population. Our 9/11 attorneys encourage such individuals to closely monitor their health conditions and work with their doctors to identify any possible early signs of cancer.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR WORLD TRADE CENTER SURVIVORS

Since the brain is essential to life, treating brain cancer promptly is important to prevent further progression of the disease and other symptoms. Surgery is often a first treatment to remove as much  of the cancerous brain tumor as possible. Neurosurgery is a more specialized surgery that involves the nervous system. Tumors are removed from the brain and nervous system, including the spinal cord.

After surgery has been completed, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drug treatments are often used to further treat brain cancer. Additionally, a comprehensive treatment plan that includes rehabilitation, pain management, and nutritional support can help the patient through treatment and recovery.

IS 9/11 BRAIN CANCER A COVERED CONDITION FOR VCF BENEFITS?

Yes. Brain cancer is considered a “rare cancer,” which is defined as one with a threshold incidence rate of fewer than 15 cases per 100,000 persons per year. Brain cancer meets that definition under the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) guidelines, which classifies individuals who suffer 9/11-related brain cancer as being eligible for VCF benefits.

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Were you or a loved one present south of Houston St. between 9/11/01-7/31/02 for any reason?
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CONTACT A 9/11 BRAIN CANCER LAWYER TO DISCUSS YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS

If you or a loved one is suffering as a result to toxin exposure from September 11th, contact a 9/11 brain cancer attorney at Pitta & Baione LLP by completing our online contact form or calling us at 844-901-1312.

Blood & Lymphoid Cancer



Digestive System Cancer



  • Colon
  • Esophagus
  • Liver and intrahepatic bile ducts
  • Other and ill-defined digestive organ conditions
  • Rectosigmoid junction
  • Rectum
  • Retroperitoneumand peritoneum
  • Stomach

Eye and Orbital Cancer



Female Breast Cancer



The WTCHP recognized the link between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), other toxins, and the development of breast cancer. The WTCHP allows 9/11 breast cancer victims to receive medical treatment and also provides monitoring to first responders and survivors for proper screening of all 9/11-related medical conditions.

Brain Cancer



Exposure to the harmful post-9/11 elements increased the chance of brain cancer in survivors.

Examples of VCF eligible primary brain cancers include, but are not limited to, the malignant forms of:

  • Gliomas: Tumors that begin in the brain or spinal cord
    • Astrocytoma
    • Ependymoma
    • Glioblastoma
    • Oligodendroglioma
  • Meningiomas: Tumors that arise from the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
  • Acoustic neuromas: Tumors that develop on the nerves that control balance and hearing
  • Pituitary carcinomas: Tumors that develop in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain
  • Medulloblastomas: Tumors that begin in the lower back part of the brain and spread through spinal fluid

Ovarian Cancer



Most cases of ovarian cancer require surgery to remove the cancer and often will require a series of surgeries. As with other cancers, chemotherapy and radiation may be used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Some possible symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Back pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual changes

Respiratory System Cancer



  • Bronchus and lung
  • Heart, mediastinum, and pleura
  • Other and ill-defined sites in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs
  • Trachea

Thyroid Cancer



Uterine Cancer



9/11 uterine cancer patients qualify to receive federally-funded medical monitoring and treatment as well as potential compensation through the VCF.

Uterine cancer has various subtypes. These subtypes include:

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Uterine papillary serous carcinoma
  • Uterine clear cell carcinoma
  • Uterine carcinosarcoma (CS)
  • Uterine sarcoma

Rare Cancers



  • Malignant neoplasms of the adrenal gland and other endocrine glands and related structures
  • Anus and anal canal
  • Bone and articular cartilage
  • Breast among men
  • Gallbladder and other parts of biliary tract
  • Meninges, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and other parts of central nervous system
  • Pancreas
  • Penis and testis
  • Placenta
  • Small intestine
  • Thymus
  • Vulva, vagina, and cervix uteri (invasive only)
  • Malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm, including carcinoid tumors
  • Myeloid neoplasms, including myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, and myeloid malignancies associated with eosinophilia and abnormalities of growth factor receptors derived from platelets or fibroblasts
  • Other cancers that meet the threshold incidence rate of less than 15 cases per 100,000 persons per year based on age-adjusted 2005-2009 average annual data.

Mesothelioma



Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium tissue of the body. This tissue lines a number of vital organs, including the lungs, stomach, and heart.

Symptoms generally include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent, dry cough
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Chest tightness or pain

Aerodigestive Disorders



Musculoskeletal Disorders



  • Responders who received treatment for a WTC-related musculoskeletal disorder, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or lower back pain, on or before September 11, 2003 are eligible for coverage.

Acute Traumatic Injury



Responders and survivors who received treatment for a WTC-related acute traumatic injury on or before September 11, 2003 are eligible for coverage. Examples include:

Eligible
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No one should have to bear the costs of battling a 9/11 cancer or illness alone. It only takes a few minutes to see if you may be eligible for free healthcare benefits and other compensation. Having a lawyer by your side can help you maximize the benefits you receive, and ensure your rights are protected.
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