Are Users of Defective CPAP Machines at Risk of Kidney Cancer?

 Posted on August 10, 2022 in Dangerous CPAP and BiPAP Machines

CPAP machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea, but some models have been recalled due to defects that may pose a health risk. The recalled devices used a synthetic foam composed of polyester and polyurethane that was meant to reduce the noise when a device was operating. Unfortunately, this foam, which is toxic to humans, could break down during a device's regular use. As air passed through a device and was forced into a user's lungs, it may have picked up particles of foam, which could then be inhaled or swallowed by the user. This could potentially lead to a variety of health issues, including an increased risk of kidney cancer.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

The absorption of tiny foam particles into the bloodstream may affect multiple organs and bodily systems. Because the kidneys act as a filter for the blood, foam particles may have accumulated in the kidneys and affected the organ's tissues. This may have led tumors to form, affecting kidney functions. As tumors grow, they may also affect other bodily systems, including spreading to nearby lymph nodes, major blood vessels, or the adrenal gland. In the most serious cases, cancer may metastasize throughout the body, affecting distant lymph nodes or other organs.

If a person has kidney cancer, they may experience the following symptoms:

• Blood in their urine, which may cause urine to be pink or red in color

• Lower back pain that is not associated with an injury

• A lump in the lower back or on their side

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite, potentially leading to weight loss

• High blood pressure

• Fever

• Anemia, which occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to organs, and which may result in symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and pale skin

Treatment for Kidney Cancer

In many cases, the best treatment for kidney cancer involves surgery. Part of a kidney may be removed in order to eliminate cancerous tissue. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove an entire kidney, as well as lymph nodes or other surrounding tissue that has been affected. If one kidney is removed, a person can usually survive while using the remaining kidney. However, if both kidneys need to be removed, or if the removal of kidney tissue substantially decreases kidney functions, a person may need to undergo regular dialysis.

For those who are not eligible for surgery, other forms of treatment may be available. Radiation therapy, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells or address the symptoms of cancer. Some of these treatments may also be performed after surgery to help prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Contact Our CPAP Kidney Cancer Lawyers

If you have used one of the recalled CPAP machines in the past and you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, it is important to take prompt legal action. A statute of limitations of two years applies in most cases, so you will need to pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer within two years after your cancer diagnosis. 

Our experienced CPAP injury attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We will review your case and determine whether you have a valid claim against the manufacturer, and we will gather evidence to support your claim and ensure you take the correct steps during your case. Contact us today at 844-847-2727 to learn more about how we can help you.

Sources:

https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-9-22-cpap-holmes-complaint.pdf

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9409-kidney-cancer-overview