Angiosarcoma
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Tragically, there are many rare yet deadly diseases in the world, with many striking victims right here in the United States. Some are genetically inherited, some are the result of lifestyle choices, and others are inflicted upon innocent people without their knowledge. Such is the situation of many cases of angiosarcoma.
Angiosarcoma is an extremely rare and deadly form of cancer that attacks the membranes of blood vessels. The time from exposure to the carcinogen and progression into cancer can take decades. It can occur in any part of the body, and by the time it is detected it is usually immediately fatal. Shockingly, only 50% of the people who develop angiosarcoma live past six months after diagnosis because the disease is so aggressive and difficult to treat. About 300 people a year develop angiosarcoma, mostly due to a side effect of radiation therapy for breast cancer, but a significant portion of those unfortunate people were exposed to the chemical vinyl chloride, an important component of many industrial processes.
Vinyl Chloride is one of the most valuable, yet destructive, chemicals in modern industry. Its sweet, pleasant smell is the main component in what people call “new car smell”, as the interiors of most cars use large amounts of plastic derived from vinyl chloride. Chemically speaking, the molecular structure of vinyl chloride is unique in that it is both very strong and very flexible; chemists can manipulate it to perform a variety of functions. The versatility of vinyl chloride has resulted in the exposure of millions of people to its harmful effects, many without prior knowledge. In fact, it is estimated that almost 20,000,000,000 pounds of vinyl chloride are produced annually each year in the U.S. alone.
It was not just people who worked in the chemical plants or lived in nearby towns who were affected by this dangerous chemical. Vinyl chloride was used for decades as a propellant in many types of aerosol cans used by millions of people, from beauty shop workers to auto mechanics. The proliferation of this deadly chemical exposed millions to the dangers of angiosarcoma, and because the cancer takes decades to develop, doctors predict a potential angiosarcoma pandemic in the years to come. If you are suffering from symptoms that resemble angiosarcoma, it is imperative that you consult a doctor immediately. Early detection makes treating this aggressive cancer easier, which may extend your life and provide invaluable time with your friends and family. If you believe that your condition was caused by toxic exposure, or if you’ve lost a loved one to this devastating disease, it's important to contact a compassionate and experienced angiosarcoma lawyer at once. You deserve compensation for your profound physical and mental struggle - talk to someone today.
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