Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) and Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Lawyer
Typically, applying for and receiving social security disability benefits can take many months. But what if your disabling condition is so severe that you cannot wait? Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is MCL?
MCL is a subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that arises in the body’s B-cells (a type of lymphocyte, or white blood cell), which make antibodies to fight infection. In MCL, malignant changes occur in B lymphocytes on the outermost edges of a lymph node follicle (a part of the lymph node known as the mantle zone). Lymph nodes are oval-shaped organs distributed throughout the body; they act as traps and filters, helping rid the body of pathogens. In MCL, the cancerous mantle cells grow uncontrollably and accumulate as tumors in the lymph nodes. The malignant cells can spread through lymphatic channels and the blood to other lymph nodes, bone marrow, the liver, and the GI tract. Many who develop MCL are genetically predisposed to the disease, though genetics are not the sole determinant of who develops the illness. There are a variety of treatment options available and the prognosis depends on the overall health of the patient and the extent of the cancer.
MCL Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of MCL include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A lump in the armpit, neck, or groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- A feeling of fullness
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Lower back pain extending down one or both legs
- Anemia
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk with a doctor immediately.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits and MCL
MCL automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MCL, then you are considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MCL, contact an experienced social security disability lawyer today. Please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a free consultation form for a free evaluation of your social security disability case.
