Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Agent Orange

2

Comments

  • jeroamem4
    jeroamem4 Member Posts: 1
    #22
    agent orange and tonsillar cancer
    Hi,
    I just found your posts here today while doing research on agent orange and tonsillar cancer. My husband served in Viet Nam in the early 70's and five years ago was diagnosed with a stage 4 tonsillar cancer. His appeals to the VA have been denied, but a hearing is scheduled next month and I am trying to amass as much info as possible. He has an American Legion officer representing him. I have printed out all of the posts connected to this board, and will be studying them. My husband has an appointment with his ENT this week to discuss the subject of agent orange exposure and tonsil cancer. Thank you for posting the info about a decision made by the VA awarding benefits for this cancer previously. If you have any new information regarding this type of cancer, I would appreciate it if you could post it. Thank you for all your efforts in this matter. You seem to have worked tirelessly and researched a great deal.

    My husband has never smoked, done recreational drugs, used oral tobacco, or used alcohol heavily. There is no family history of cancer. He also has had prostrate cancer. He served in An Thoi and we found a web site with several posts of vets with tonsillar cancer that had served there as well. My husband said this was a very small base and so found the reported cases of tonsillar cancer very interesting.

    Thanks again. I appreciate the info presented herein and any new info that you may have.
    God Bless you.
  • HAWVET
    HAWVET Member Posts: 318
    #23
    jeroamem4 said:

    agent orange and tonsillar cancer
    Hi,
    I just found your posts here today while doing research on agent orange and tonsillar cancer. My husband served in Viet Nam in the early 70's and five years ago was diagnosed with a stage 4 tonsillar cancer. His appeals to the VA have been denied, but a hearing is scheduled next month and I am trying to amass as much info as possible. He has an American Legion officer representing him. I have printed out all of the posts connected to this board, and will be studying them. My husband has an appointment with his ENT this week to discuss the subject of agent orange exposure and tonsil cancer. Thank you for posting the info about a decision made by the VA awarding benefits for this cancer previously. If you have any new information regarding this type of cancer, I would appreciate it if you could post it. Thank you for all your efforts in this matter. You seem to have worked tirelessly and researched a great deal.

    My husband has never smoked, done recreational drugs, used oral tobacco, or used alcohol heavily. There is no family history of cancer. He also has had prostrate cancer. He served in An Thoi and we found a web site with several posts of vets with tonsillar cancer that had served there as well. My husband said this was a very small base and so found the reported cases of tonsillar cancer very interesting.

    Thanks again. I appreciate the info presented herein and any new info that you may have.
    God Bless you.

    A short response
    Hello Jeroamem4

    I am leaving for an extended trip this evening so I cannot spend much time researching, but your husband has interesting cases. My memory is sort of failing, but I am curious why your husband did not include prostate cancer. I believe it was later recognized as one of those cancers associated with Agent Orange. As such, it can now be included in claims and will most likely be approved. Click on the below link:

    http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1796

    Your American Legion rep should have known this unless he was unaware that he had prostate cancer. Check with him on the possibility of amending the claim.

    As for tonsillar cancer, I am not too familiar of the chances. Since you are seeing an ENT, ask him to give a statement that in his/her opinion, that the cancer may have been associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The DAV has a good statement recommendation, but I do not have time to look it up today.

    In many of the cancers, it had been determined that there are insufficient number to make a ruling, yet I firmly believe that the numbers of those serving in Vietnam has a higher percentage rate as compared to the rest of the population. The information of his comrades in An Thoi reflects that. If you check the VA web site on appeal cases, you will also find increasing numbers.

    Best of luck
  • dragnphly
    dragnphly Member Posts: 1
    #24
    NPC and Agent Orange
    My father was diagnosed with NPC in 1988--after a long 2 year battle he passed in 1990. Few treatments were successful then. He served in the Air Force at NKP Thailand '70-71, I believe. My uncle attempted a claim with the military. At the time we were told Dad's cancer was due to his smoking. He flew Search and Rescue missions over Vietnam (A-1 Sandy's) and was exposed to Agent Orange.

    Hope this is helpful in your continuing research. Best of luck.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #25
    Very Interesting
    I am not a vet but my friend next door is and does have problem from Agent Orange. I got NPC in 2003 and could not figure out how. My doctors told me that the only way I could have gotten NPC was if I lived in Hong Kong somewhere, I told them never been to Hong Kong but did do a lot of work in Africa. I am wondering now if possibility this could be something I got from my friend next door. It is funny that only he and I are suffering from almost the same problems although he does not have NPC, his doctors can’t figure out exactly what his problem is but the poor guy can’t walk straight with out falling down.

    I am normally on the Head and Neck Cancer site here on CSN but will monitor this site as well, Thanks for all the info and help.
  • deesecalvin
    deesecalvin Member Posts: 2
    #26
    Nasopharyngeal Cancer/Agent Orange
    I was Army Infantry from '67-68 and was in contact with agent orange. I was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal cancer in 1993. I had radiation treatments which left me with no saliva glands. One side of my neck was burned because of the radiation treatments. Then in 2002 my cancer came back on the other side of my neck. I had surgery, radiation and chemo. I have been clear of cancer since. VA does not recognize this type of cancer as being caused by agent orange, but I know it was. It's sad how we can serve our country but when we need them they turn the other way....
  • deesecalvin
    deesecalvin Member Posts: 2
    #27
    kobri331 said:

    Nasopharengeal cancer
    My brother-in-law served in VietNam. Recently treated for Nasopharengeal cancer. looking for info on the incidence of thid type of cancer in Vietnam veterans as this is a rare cancer for Americans. Grateful for any help. Thanks

    Nasopharyngeal Cancer/Agent Orange
    My dr said this was rare cancer to get unless I was Asian...I'm not. But I was in Viet Nam from 1967-68 and was exposed to agent orange. He knows this is the cause of my cancer, but can't prove it. No cancer in my family history.
  • HAWVET
    HAWVET Member Posts: 318
    #28
    deesecalvin said:

    Nasopharyngeal Cancer/Agent Orange
    I was Army Infantry from '67-68 and was in contact with agent orange. I was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal cancer in 1993. I had radiation treatments which left me with no saliva glands. One side of my neck was burned because of the radiation treatments. Then in 2002 my cancer came back on the other side of my neck. I had surgery, radiation and chemo. I have been clear of cancer since. VA does not recognize this type of cancer as being caused by agent orange, but I know it was. It's sad how we can serve our country but when we need them they turn the other way....

    ReeseCalvin, thank you for your response. First some background. VA makes a determination on the effects of Agent Orange through the biennual update by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the latest being Agent Orange Update 2008. That update added a couple more illnesses. NPC was not one of them. Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) had been and continue to be in Category 3, whereby it was determined that there is inadequate/insufficient evidence to determine whether an association existed with Agent Orange.

    Someone above made reference to the IOM and how to contact Ms Mary Burr Paxton. She was the chief administrator with the IOM when the committee last met to discuss issues for the updates. I had already submitted testimony to her in December 2007 prior to the release of update 2008. I do not think that is really the answer and was trying to determine the best way to approach our concern.

    As a result of these updates and after Update 2002, the VA entered into the Federal Register in May 2003 excluding NPC as having a positive relationship. The VA determined that presumption of service connection based on exposure to herbicides used in Vietnam was not warranted. This is completely different from you saying the "VA does not recognize this type of cancer....". With that "not warranted" phrase, it does not mean a claim cannot be submitted.

    BUT, the majority is disapproved. There are at least 10 cases that have been approved by the VA, so the approval/disapproval depends on information in your application. I submitted an application with the VA in 2002 and my claim was disapproved. Unfortunately, after some extensive research, I gained a lot of information. If I had to do it again, I would probably handle it differently. There are VA or other veteran related physicians who state that Agent Orange most likely was the cause of the veteran's cancer.

    It is not necessary to prove that you were in contact with Agent Orange, There is a clause that anyone who served in Vietnam is presumed to be exposed to Agent Orange, no matter what your assignment.

    I started this thread a year and a half ago and you can see that there is hardly any response. If you look at the incidence rate, there is probably about one case per 100,000 in the general population. There are at least a 100 cases and possibly more in the less than three million who served in country. This figure alone would reflect that Vietnam veterans were contracting NPC at a rate of 3 plus per 100,000.

    I wanted to formulate a plan of action. With the lack of response, I had decided not to pursue it any further. I have since changed my mind and decided to possibly find a way to re-open my case or have the VA relook the possible relationship with Agent Orange. It is a difficult road, but I will give it one last shot and hopefully, open the door to other veterans who had NPC.
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    #29
    HAWVET said:

    ReeseCalvin, thank you for your response. First some background. VA makes a determination on the effects of Agent Orange through the biennual update by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the latest being Agent Orange Update 2008. That update added a couple more illnesses. NPC was not one of them. Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) had been and continue to be in Category 3, whereby it was determined that there is inadequate/insufficient evidence to determine whether an association existed with Agent Orange.

    Someone above made reference to the IOM and how to contact Ms Mary Burr Paxton. She was the chief administrator with the IOM when the committee last met to discuss issues for the updates. I had already submitted testimony to her in December 2007 prior to the release of update 2008. I do not think that is really the answer and was trying to determine the best way to approach our concern.

    As a result of these updates and after Update 2002, the VA entered into the Federal Register in May 2003 excluding NPC as having a positive relationship. The VA determined that presumption of service connection based on exposure to herbicides used in Vietnam was not warranted. This is completely different from you saying the "VA does not recognize this type of cancer....". With that "not warranted" phrase, it does not mean a claim cannot be submitted.

    BUT, the majority is disapproved. There are at least 10 cases that have been approved by the VA, so the approval/disapproval depends on information in your application. I submitted an application with the VA in 2002 and my claim was disapproved. Unfortunately, after some extensive research, I gained a lot of information. If I had to do it again, I would probably handle it differently. There are VA or other veteran related physicians who state that Agent Orange most likely was the cause of the veteran's cancer.

    It is not necessary to prove that you were in contact with Agent Orange, There is a clause that anyone who served in Vietnam is presumed to be exposed to Agent Orange, no matter what your assignment.

    I started this thread a year and a half ago and you can see that there is hardly any response. If you look at the incidence rate, there is probably about one case per 100,000 in the general population. There are at least a 100 cases and possibly more in the less than three million who served in country. This figure alone would reflect that Vietnam veterans were contracting NPC at a rate of 3 plus per 100,000.

    I wanted to formulate a plan of action. With the lack of response, I had decided not to pursue it any further. I have since changed my mind and decided to possibly find a way to re-open my case or have the VA relook the possible relationship with Agent Orange. It is a difficult road, but I will give it one last shot and hopefully, open the door to other veterans who had NPC.

    VA and Agent Orange

    HAWVET,

    I have been following this thread for a little bit. I called Ms. Paxton as her name was mentioned on another site or post. Although I didn't have the same cancer as you, I had Base of Tongue cancer and the person posting said to call Ms.Paxton if you had Tonsil cancer so she could add you to a list to be presented to a board in the near future.

    Long story short, I called her and told her about my cancer and she basically brushed me off and seemed unconcerned about me being a Vietnam Vet with Head and Neck cancer. Needless to say, I was very disappointed.

    I am going to be sending you a private message in the very near future.

    WELCOME HOME

    My Best to You and Everyone Here
  • HAWVET
    HAWVET Member Posts: 318
    #30
    MarineE5 said:

    VA and Agent Orange

    HAWVET,

    I have been following this thread for a little bit. I called Ms. Paxton as her name was mentioned on another site or post. Although I didn't have the same cancer as you, I had Base of Tongue cancer and the person posting said to call Ms.Paxton if you had Tonsil cancer so she could add you to a list to be presented to a board in the near future.

    Long story short, I called her and told her about my cancer and she basically brushed me off and seemed unconcerned about me being a Vietnam Vet with Head and Neck cancer. Needless to say, I was very disappointed.

    I am going to be sending you a private message in the very near future.

    WELCOME HOME

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

    IOM contact
    MarineE5

    I understand your frustration after your contact with Ms. Paxton. I had corresponded with her by email and sent her a three pages testimony. After some more investigation, I have concluded that it will be difficult for them to take input from us veterans. My testimony was probably just briefly noted without any action.

    By law, the Institute of Medicine (IOM-Ms Paxton's organization) is the agency responsible and provides recommendations to the VA via the Agent Orange updates. I have not yet determined what should be done for them to reopen studies of the relationships of cancers/diseases and Agent Orange.

    There was a congressman who introduced legislation for NPC, but I think it was a token introduction to appease the individual. It would have been very difficult to get it approved.

    In the meantime, I have sought advice from VA's regional office to check how I can re-open my case. Thanks for the private message and will be responding shortly.

    Welcome back!

    HAWVET
  • letalane
    letalane Member Posts: 1
    #31
    Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
    My father served in Vietnam and actually died of metastatic cancer after being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This was 23 years ago. My sisters and I are now fighting for accrued benefits from VA for service related disability leading to death. We have all of his medical records and just looking at them shows that the physicians from VA and any other doctors he saw for his symptoms didn't have a clue as to what was going on or how to treat what was happening. My father was 35 years old when he died and he too became a diabetic that we have discovered through some research was exclusively developed in those exposed to the chemicals during the vietnam war. I ended up in this forum doing research in hopes of finding concrete facts and documentation to send back to VA to support our claim. I would greatly appreciate any information that anyone has on the disease and what the VA is doing about.
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    #32
    letalane said:

    Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
    My father served in Vietnam and actually died of metastatic cancer after being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This was 23 years ago. My sisters and I are now fighting for accrued benefits from VA for service related disability leading to death. We have all of his medical records and just looking at them shows that the physicians from VA and any other doctors he saw for his symptoms didn't have a clue as to what was going on or how to treat what was happening. My father was 35 years old when he died and he too became a diabetic that we have discovered through some research was exclusively developed in those exposed to the chemicals during the vietnam war. I ended up in this forum doing research in hopes of finding concrete facts and documentation to send back to VA to support our claim. I would greatly appreciate any information that anyone has on the disease and what the VA is doing about.

    Find a Service Officer to Help
    letalane,

    First, let me say that I am sorry to hear that your Dad died at such an early age.

    Secondly, if you haven't already done so, you should locate a local Service Officer to help you with your claim. A Service Officer is a person that has been trained to know what the VA is looking for in the paperwork. The Service Officer is with the local Military Organzations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veteran of America, etc.

    As you mentioned, your Dad became Diabetic and that is on the list of persumed connections to Agent Orange. Your Service Officer or you can search the VA site ( va.gov ) and look for the Board of Appeals rulings over the years and see which cases have been granted or denied and see what it takes to win your case. Most of the cases that I saw that were granted service connection to Agent Orange had a Service Officer or a Lawyer involved. I have seen a few cases that the person won on their own.

    My Best to You and Your Sisters
  • hank4569
    hank4569 Member Posts: 3
    #33
    letalane said:

    Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
    My father served in Vietnam and actually died of metastatic cancer after being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This was 23 years ago. My sisters and I are now fighting for accrued benefits from VA for service related disability leading to death. We have all of his medical records and just looking at them shows that the physicians from VA and any other doctors he saw for his symptoms didn't have a clue as to what was going on or how to treat what was happening. My father was 35 years old when he died and he too became a diabetic that we have discovered through some research was exclusively developed in those exposed to the chemicals during the vietnam war. I ended up in this forum doing research in hopes of finding concrete facts and documentation to send back to VA to support our claim. I would greatly appreciate any information that anyone has on the disease and what the VA is doing about.

    Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
    letalane: A vietnam vet (bluewater navy) came into my office about a month ago on a matter having to do with his father. He takes care of his elderly father. This man's (not the father) whole right side of his face has been removed. The skull, the right eye, right jaw hinge, upper right half of palate were all removed. His body rejected a prothsethis attempt. Reconstructive surgery failed. He can't get a job. It's not that he lacks skills, but I believe his disfigurement prevents hiring. He filed in 1984 (denied), re-opened in 1985 (denied) and re-opened in 2008 (denied). I have never represented anyone in a VA case, but I took a look at his records. I deal with government agencies in the course of my work. I think sometimes the tendency of laypersons representing themselves or loved ones is to be outraged (rightly so) when faced with government logic. I agree with the gentleman who referred you to a representative of a Veteran's organization or an attorney skilled in these matters. Good luck.
  • royarogers
    royarogers Member Posts: 6
    #34
    gysgtjd said:

    Squamous cell carcinoma on tonsil
    My husband was told today that he has squamous cell cancer on his tonsil. He was Vietnam in 1966-1967 and then 1969-1970. He had heavy exposure to agent orange and receives the Agent Orange Report. Could Agent Orange have caused his cancer? He has not been to the VA yet but is receiving some VA compensation already. Thank you for any information you can provide.

    http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txt
    copy and repost this anywhere u can

    http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files5/0940472.txtHaving

    found that the Veteran had qualifying service in
    Vietnam, exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange, is
    presumed. Under the regulations, service connection is
    presumed with respiratory cancers, defined as lung, bronchus,
    larynx, or trachea. However, throat, tongue, and tonsils are
    not specifically on the list of presumptive diseases
    associated with Agent Orange exposure under 38 C.F.R.
    § 3.309(e).

    In order to ascertain whether cancer of the throat, tongue,
    and tonsils were consistent with respiratory cancers, the
    Board obtained an expert medical opinion in October 2009.
    The examiner opined that:

    [The Veteran] was diagnosed with T1N2bMx
    squamous cell carcinoma, left tonsil and
    left base of the tongue on October of
    2004. The risk factors for this
    condition is often related to exposure to
    both alcohol and tobacco. Based on
    records, [the Veteran] never smoked or
    consumed alcohol.

    In accordance with the medical
    definition:
    The respiratory system includes the
    nostrils, nasopharynx, oral pharynx,
    glottis, trachea, bronchi and
    bronchioles.

    Oropharynx (as part of the respiratory
    system) includes base of the tongue, the
    soft palate, tonsil and the side and back
    wall of the throat.

    Based on the medical definition, [the
    Veteran's] squamous cell carcinoma of
    left tonsil and base of the tongue is
    part of the respiratory system and there
    is no exposure to both tobacco and
    alcohol that can attribute to his
    malignancy.

    Having determined that the tonsil and base of the tongue are
    part of the respiratory system, service connection for this
    disorder is presumed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).
    Accordingly, his claim for presumptive service connection for
    throat cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue
    base and tonsil is granted.

    As provided for by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000
    (VCAA), VA has a duty to notify and assist claimants in
    substantiating a claim for VA benefits. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 5100,
    5102, 5103, 5103A, 5107, 5126 (West 2002 & Supp. 2009);
    38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.156(a), 3.159, 3.326(a) (2009). In
    this case, the Board is granting in full the benefit sought
    on appeal. Accordingly, assuming, without deciding, that any
    error was committed with respect to either the duty to notify
    or the duty to assist, such error was harmless and need not
    be further considered.


    ORDER

    Service connection for throat cancer and squamous cell
    carcinoma of the left tongue base and tonsil, as a result of
    exposure to herbicides, is granted.



    ____________________________________________
    L. HOWELL
    Veterans Law Judge, Board of Veterans' Appeals


    Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #35
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • mcb121et2
    mcb121et2 Member Posts: 1
    #36
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Tonsil cancer
    I am in the middle of appeal for cancer of left tonsil. Diagnosed in August 2009 and currently cancer free. It was stage 4 so I have low probablility of survival for long. I was rejected of course for agent orange connection. I was in DaNang from 1969-70. I am trying to get the connection to service through my diabetes disability, but I fear it will go down the tube too. I haven't gotten on the agent orange registry, but will be immediately.
    I had my evaluation yesterday and the Dr said he has to find a report that connects diabetes to tonsil cancer, but I think I can see some reports of connection to it raising the likelihood of getting cancer. And I sent a letter from my Dr stating that my diabetes caused my immune system to be compromised and increasing my chances to get cancer.
    Anyway the VA says I am disabled, granted me a pension, but my SS disability is too much to get that.
    I had 5 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatments, and had a peg tube installed and just drank water while in treatment. Anyway I'll try to keep up with what's happening, and I am represented by a DAV service officer.
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    #37
    mcb121et2 said:

    Tonsil cancer
    I am in the middle of appeal for cancer of left tonsil. Diagnosed in August 2009 and currently cancer free. It was stage 4 so I have low probablility of survival for long. I was rejected of course for agent orange connection. I was in DaNang from 1969-70. I am trying to get the connection to service through my diabetes disability, but I fear it will go down the tube too. I haven't gotten on the agent orange registry, but will be immediately.
    I had my evaluation yesterday and the Dr said he has to find a report that connects diabetes to tonsil cancer, but I think I can see some reports of connection to it raising the likelihood of getting cancer. And I sent a letter from my Dr stating that my diabetes caused my immune system to be compromised and increasing my chances to get cancer.
    Anyway the VA says I am disabled, granted me a pension, but my SS disability is too much to get that.
    I had 5 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatments, and had a peg tube installed and just drank water while in treatment. Anyway I'll try to keep up with what's happening, and I am represented by a DAV service officer.

    It might take awhile
    MCB,

    Don't give up hope on the VA. You have a Service Officer and that is a good thing. Some of the things you mentioned have me confused so if you would, could you send me a private message by using the CSN Email up in the top left hand Box above. Send it to MarineE5.

    Also, hopefully HAWVET will read you post as well, he is a bit more informed then I am about certain things.
  • tiny69_70
    tiny69_70 Member Posts: 3 Member
    #38
    Tonsil Cancer
    My husband served in Vietnam and was just diagnosed with Tonsil cancer.
  • tiny69_70
    tiny69_70 Member Posts: 3 Member
    #39
    mcb121et2 said:

    Tonsil cancer
    I am in the middle of appeal for cancer of left tonsil. Diagnosed in August 2009 and currently cancer free. It was stage 4 so I have low probablility of survival for long. I was rejected of course for agent orange connection. I was in DaNang from 1969-70. I am trying to get the connection to service through my diabetes disability, but I fear it will go down the tube too. I haven't gotten on the agent orange registry, but will be immediately.
    I had my evaluation yesterday and the Dr said he has to find a report that connects diabetes to tonsil cancer, but I think I can see some reports of connection to it raising the likelihood of getting cancer. And I sent a letter from my Dr stating that my diabetes caused my immune system to be compromised and increasing my chances to get cancer.
    Anyway the VA says I am disabled, granted me a pension, but my SS disability is too much to get that.
    I had 5 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatments, and had a peg tube installed and just drank water while in treatment. Anyway I'll try to keep up with what's happening, and I am represented by a DAV service officer.

    Tonsil Cancer and VA
    My husband was in Vietnam 1969-1970 and was just diagnosed with Tonsil cancr. He is on the Agen Orange Registry. He too was rejected for Agent Orange.
  • tiny69_70
    tiny69_70 Member Posts: 3 Member
    #40
    chinaberry25 said:

    Tonsil Cancer
    I am sorry to hear of your cancer at such a young age. My husband was In Country in 1970 and has cancer of the left tonsil. We have applied for Agent Orange but takes close to a year for approval. My husband has never smoked and has drank very little. We have just finished treatment and now if beginning to eat. He has gotten excellent care here in Albany, GA. The treatment is very rigid as you know. If you have to get cancer, the mouth is one of the worst places to have it. Was your cancer possibly related to HPV? This is a possible cause of it too. I know that you are bitter, so am I. I have tried to live my life as a good person and you see people every day that are bad people and nothing ever happens to them. But hopefully you will be able to maintain a healthy life in the future.

    Tonsil Cancer
    My husband just finished treatments for tonsil cancer. He was in Vietnam 69-70. The VA decided not to check if it was related to HPV. I think they do not want to know that it was not. They might have to recognize it as another type of cancer caused by Agent Orange. He does not smoke and drank a very occasional beer, and so he does not fit the usual Tonsil Cancer profile either. If we can get enough people to band together and insist the VA recognize Agent Orange as the cause, our Veterans will get the help they need.
  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    #41
    tiny69_70 said:

    Tonsil Cancer
    My husband served in Vietnam and was just diagnosed with Tonsil cancer.

    Private message
    Tiny,

    I sent you a private message

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