Squamous cell cancer & agent orange
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Can Squamous Cell Carcinoma be caused by Agent Orangepoolside said:Squamous Cell Carcinoma & Agent Orange
My husband was just recently diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He did two tours in Vietnam where Agent Orange was used quite liberally. I have been doing some research on this cancer and have come up with alot of questions.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be caused by carcinogens which can be found in cigarettes. However, Agent Orange had a dioxin in it which was known to be a human carcinogen.
The VA recognizes a cancer called soft tissue sarcoma which is also linked to dioxin exposure and according to what I have read, Squamous cell carcinoma and Soft tissue sarcoma tend to mimic each other and are both hard to diagnose. The suggestion they gave was to have a biopsy sample checked by a pathologist who has extensive experience in diagnosing soft tissue sarcoma.
I am getting ready to fight for my husband on these issues, but it doesn't make any sense to me that both can be caused by carcinogens and Agent Orange had carcinogens in it, yet the VA will only recognize soft tissue sarcoma as an Agent Orange related Cancer when Squamous cell carcinoma is also caused by carcinogens.
I don't know if any of this can be of any help to any of you, but thought I would add the information I have come up with so far. I am not done digging and if I come up with something else, I will share it with you as I would hope you would share it with me also, since we are all in this fight together.
God Bless,
Debbie
(Wife of a Marine)I just received a letter from the V.A. denying my claim for benits due to disability caused be Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). I live and filed my claim in California and the decision was render from an office in West Virginia.
In the denial letter the VA states "Service connection is denied for "SCC" left neck, because there is no evidence linking this condition to Military serivce."
I served in Vietnam from Dec. 1967 to Dec. 1968 and Nov. 1970 to Nov. 1971. I was diagnosed with "SCC" in November 2007 and started treatment in January 2008. treat, which ended in July 2008 consisted of both radiation therapy to the neck area and chemotherapy. I also sent a total of 17 days in the hospitial be treated for the various ailments that go with the cancer treatment. In addition to the Chemo and radiation theropy I had several CT scans with "contrast". In May of 2012 while preparing for my last CT scan I was diagnosed with Kidney failure (stage IV, severe). I also have been dianosed with Thyroid failure and take medication for that.
Compared to other stories I've read, I am not in bad shape and I may not be entilted to much compensation, if any. But I am upset that the V.A. has denied my claim base on "non serivce" connected cancer. It appears they have rendered approvals in some cases and denied others. That is the purpose of my appeal. It is likely that sometime in the furture my kidneys will completely fail & I will need further treatment or transplant. for this reason I need to fight this. I need proof that the V.A. has approved clainms for Squamous Cell Carcinoma cases base on service connection.
Thanks
Tim Sawyer
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Jimmy:jimmydeese said:Another Vietnam Vet with Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Served 2 terms in Vietnam 1966-1968 with 1st Marine Div I Corp. I am a purple heart Vet. In 1989 I got Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the tonsils and lymph nodes. Eight weeks of radiation killed saliva glands and taste buds. In remission until 2008 when I noticed a sore on my tongue. Cancer came back with a vengance. Lost part of my tongue and upper pallet requiring prosthesis to close upper pallet. Eight bouts of aspiration pneumonia within the last year. Four month ago I had to have a feeding tube inserted in my stomach. Working with dental oncologist for two years and just got upper teeth this week. Lowers to come. VA has denied my claims for agent orange and squamous cell carcinoma twice. I am still appealing claims and would appreciate any help. Semper fi ..... JimmyWhat about the cases on here proven to be service connected..isn't that a legal precident?
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Squamous Cell and exposure to Agent Orange
I am a Vietnam Veteran and served in Vietnam from 1969 - 1970. I was diagnosed with Neck Cancer in 2012 with the primary site at the base of my tongue. I also had squamous cell carcinoma in the right side of my neck (lymph node) that formed a 6cm mass which was surgically removed followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I am amazed about how many veterans have contracted squamous cell carcinoma that served in Vietnam. Although squamous cell is not listed as one of the cancers recognized by the VA as associated with Agent Orange, there appears to be a large number of veterans coming down with this diagnosis that served in Vietnam. I feel that we as a group of veterans need to appeal the VA's decision about Squmous Cell not being reconized as a disease associated with agent orange. Also they (the VA) needs to look in the number of VietNam Veterans being diagnosed with head and neck cancer that served in VietNam.
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jbarb12jbarb12 said:Squamous Cell and exposure to Agent Orange
I am a Vietnam Veteran and served in Vietnam from 1969 - 1970. I was diagnosed with Neck Cancer in 2012 with the primary site at the base of my tongue. I also had squamous cell carcinoma in the right side of my neck (lymph node) that formed a 6cm mass which was surgically removed followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I am amazed about how many veterans have contracted squamous cell carcinoma that served in Vietnam. Although squamous cell is not listed as one of the cancers recognized by the VA as associated with Agent Orange, there appears to be a large number of veterans coming down with this diagnosis that served in Vietnam. I feel that we as a group of veterans need to appeal the VA's decision about Squmous Cell not being reconized as a disease associated with agent orange. Also they (the VA) needs to look in the number of VietNam Veterans being diagnosed with head and neck cancer that served in VietNam.
Have you filed a claim? if so, Base of Tongue is not on the list, but you can appeal it. Base of Tongue, Tonsil cancer have been Granted in a individual basis when taken further in the process. Take a look at the VA site and check the Board of Appeals and rulings pertaining to Head and Neck cancers. Read a few claims and see what it takes to be Granted verses Denied. Letters in your Favor from your Doctors will help you.
"Welcome Home"
My Best to You and Everyone Here
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tongue and tonsil cancercatalpa said:Husband diagnosed with base of tongue cancer and other ailments
Dear Marine
I am seeking info. on how I can obtain further support to advance my husband's case with the VA. It's been 17 mos and no replies to his claim...it's always "pending." The cancer spawned a terrible autoimmune disease that we continue to fight in addition to his progressive hearing loss initiated from artillery exposure. He was right in the midst of the agent orange spraying when in Viet Nam. Any info. to assist me would be greatly appreciated!It sounds like we have similar problems. I had tonsil cancer in 2003 and tongue cancer in 2009. I got VA benefits for Prostate cancer in 2003 for cancer that was diagnosed in 1997. I didn't apply until 2002 and it took about 10 months to get that. I have been turned down several times for the tongue and tonsil cancer but I keep finding more information to keep the claims going. Currently I am appealing and waiting for a hearing. I have information on different claims so I hope this will eventually lead to a favorable outcome. Keep the faith.
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Squamous cell cancer & agent orange
Thank you fellow veterans and for the replies to us battling the VHA with appeals associated with Agent Orange exposure and squamous cell carcinoma. I will continue to search for appeals that have been won and post any found to this site. Thanks all that have shared. Once I gather more information, I plan to enlist the help of local congressmen and senators for support and file through a service organization. Best to you all.
Viet Vet 1969 – 1970.
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rye and phillipi
Did anyone ever give you information of this I also am interestad Thank you and God Bless!
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Squamous cell carcinoma
Last year my husband was diagnosed. Went threw radiation and Chemo. He's asked the Doctor in LR.to remove the right tonsil. He said it was a more extensive process. So they wouldn't remove it. And it started to come back. We went to the VA over and over telling them it came back they would give my husband pain pills and send him on his way. He would come back same thing over and over. We went twice to a regular hospital. Gave pain meds and sent on are way to follow up with the VA. At least 3 different Doctors at the VA are responsible for what happened next. It grew onto the main vein in his neck. Now we are screwed. A very curable cancer but not now.Now we need a miracle. They never did a pet scan after his treatment. They never requested it even when we asked about it. My husband is 100% disabled PTSD/ alcohol. They say his cancer is caused by smoking and alcohol. He was in Vietnam. He was sprayed with agent orange. And if alcohol is a contributor, his PTSD he self medicated with years of alcohol.
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Linda any help you could giveTinkwithanAttitude said:Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Agent Orange
My husband was also a Vietnam Vet - his last tour of duty in Vietnam ended in 1969. In June 2001 he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Lung Cancer. The doctors at the VA in Tampa Florida made the diagnosis. They asked him if he was a Vietnam Vet and he said yes he was and that he did 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. They told us that there was a good chance being Squamous Cell that it was directly related to Agent Orange even though they knew my husband had a 45 year history of smoking cigarettes. They sent us to the DAV office right there at the James A Haley VA Hospital. The DAV helped us file all the necessary paperwork for Service Connected Disability and also Social Security Disability. In September 2001, my husband received his Service Connected 100% Disability without any further hassles. Unfortunately my husband died the following June. I now receive the Widows Compensation for the Service Connected Disability. So don't give up - as I said my husband had a 45 year history of smoking.
God Bless you,
Linda
Linda any help you could give me in this fight would be so appreciated. As unless we get a miracle my husband will pass. I want the miracle. Please we need help
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Squamous Cell CarcinomaTinkwithanAttitude said:Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Agent Orange
My husband was also a Vietnam Vet - his last tour of duty in Vietnam ended in 1969. In June 2001 he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Lung Cancer. The doctors at the VA in Tampa Florida made the diagnosis. They asked him if he was a Vietnam Vet and he said yes he was and that he did 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. They told us that there was a good chance being Squamous Cell that it was directly related to Agent Orange even though they knew my husband had a 45 year history of smoking cigarettes. They sent us to the DAV office right there at the James A Haley VA Hospital. The DAV helped us file all the necessary paperwork for Service Connected Disability and also Social Security Disability. In September 2001, my husband received his Service Connected 100% Disability without any further hassles. Unfortunately my husband died the following June. I now receive the Widows Compensation for the Service Connected Disability. So don't give up - as I said my husband had a 45 year history of smoking.
God Bless you,
Linda
Linda, The VA just denied my claim for Agent Orange related (Vietnam 1965-66) Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I plan to appeal and could use your help. I have sent an email message directly. Thank you, John
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Husband passed away and I am fighting for himJughead123 said:Linda any help you could give
Linda any help you could give me in this fight would be so appreciated. As unless we get a miracle my husband will pass. I want the miracle. Please we need help
my husband recently passed away from non small cell squamous lung cancer. I am fighting to get benefits for him but unfortunately never thought of discussing agent orange with oncologist. The guy at VA we talked to was not encouraging so I fighting for him now. Any help would be appreciated.
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Non small cell squamous lung cancer
My husband has had a small percent disability from ischemic heart issues. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and recently passed away. He started smoking in Viet Nam and was a smoker off and on for several years....not what I would call heavy as we never had an ash tray in our house. He had one issue after another for years...major stroke, thyroid tumors and issues, then lung cancer. We were on a cruise with stop in Viet Nam And took a side trip to Cu Chi. Lots of trees but only dirt....tour director said no grass would ever grow there. We saw so many deformed. I am fighting to get disability For him..any help appreciated. I can't believe our government did this to GIs....and gave them cigarettes.
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Locate a Veteran's Service Officer (VSO)Spark44 said:Husband passed away and I am fighting for him
my husband recently passed away from non small cell squamous lung cancer. I am fighting to get benefits for him but unfortunately never thought of discussing agent orange with oncologist. The guy at VA we talked to was not encouraging so I fighting for him now. Any help would be appreciated.
Spark44,
I am sorry to read of the passing of your husband. No words I type here can ease your pain, but hopefully as time passes, so does the pain and only fond memoried remain.
One thing that you might want to do since the person at the VA didn't seem to be helpful to you. Find a local Veterans Organization that has a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) that will fill out a claim for you on behalf of your late husband. VFW, DAV, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America. Even your local Federal Congressman/woman may have a Veteran Advacate to help you. They have been schooled to know the proper paperwork that needs to be done at no charge to you. If anyone asks for money, walk away and find a different VSO at another Organization.
Lung cancer is on the Presumptive list. Here is a link to the VA site that shows Agent Orange related cancers, Respiratory cancer is one of them.
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/
It will be a long drawn out battle, but don't give up. You will need some Expert Opinions as evidence more than likely, but the VSO should already know this.
My Best to You and Everyone Here
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Survived Squamous Cell Carcinoma tonsil and throat stage 4
I too am being denied by VA on all claims this was service related. Nuclear submarine 1979-1982 and then Bremerton shipyards 8 mo. I had a steam pipe burst into my bunk filling it with fibers multiple times.
Submariners should have never been allowed to smoke while on board, much less submerged and while have to create carbon dioxide. Air was recirculated. Diesel engines were used extensively while submerged. The exhaust wasn't released. It was with us to breathe too. There was no protocol to clean a bunk full of asbestos fibers- the emphasis was on fixing the steam pipe. We fought fires, painted, hot racked (slept in same bed while the other person was on duty) survived on less sleep than was healthy. Put it all together and you get cancer that the VA denies is service related. Thank you for posting and I am appealing my claim.. someday scientific evidence will surface. This site is very helpful. Any insight for me or if I can help you, contact me. I get my care from VA and no doctor will make a statement that it was as likely as not service related that I got squamous cell carcinoma . [Content edited by CSN Support Team]
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I was just diagnosed with sqamash cell carcinoma of the tonsils, tongue and soft palette, caused by HPV. I've been married for 38 years with no hanky lanky since before then. I don't smoke and quit drinking 38 years ago. In February this year I caught vivid and got pretty sick. Symptoms of my cancers started soon after. I've started chemo with VA. My concern is finding a doctor that will say my cancer is likely as not caused by agent orange. I was. In country 169-1970. Any suggestions? I am 74 years old and would like to make sure my wife will be taken care of if something happens to me. Thank you in advance for your reply
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