Benzene AML without Industries

Acute myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a Cancer that inflicts the blood and bone marrow. The body’s blood cells are made up of platelets known as white blood cells and red blood cells. AML victims do not have sufficient red or white blood cells or these cells have an abnormal rate of growth which causes the illness to develop and progess.

Close to 12,000 new cases of AML are diagnosed in the United States each year. Research also shows that the average age of a person with AML is 65 years old and that acute myelogenous leukemia is not genetic or contagious, but is most commonly caused by exposure to benzene.

Benzene: A Known Carcinogen

Benzene is a known carcinogen and a highly flammable, chemical compound. An important industrial solvent, benzene is used in the production of synthetic rubber, plastics and drugs.  Acute myelogenous leukemia is linked to benzene exposure, along with various other forms of cancer.

Exposure to benzene can cause also cause the following health complications:

• Dizziness and confusion
• Various forms of cancer, mainly leukemia
• Depression of the immune system
• Development of anemia

Symptoms of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Oftentimes, victims of acute myelogenous leukemia are unaware of their exposure to benzene and inhale or ingest the chemical while at work or in their day to day lives without being aware of the risks. Over time, exposure to benzene can lead to fatal illnesses like acute myelogenous leukemia and unfortunately, sometimes patients are diagnosed too late and the illness can be fatal.

Some common symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemia are:

• Swelling in the abdomen
• Bone or joint pain
• Shortness of breath and fatigue
• Repeated infections

Treatment for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Since AML can progress at a rapid pace, doctors usually want to treat patients suffering from the disease right away. Risk or prognostic factors are looked at by the doctors in order to plan the right treatment for each patient. Examples of common risk factors for those with acute myelogenous leukemia are the person’s age and the subtype of their AML.

Among the different types of treatments that are normally used to help patients living with AML, are:

• Chemotherapy- Drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells in order to prevent them from growing
• A bone marrow or cord blood transplant
• All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) if the patient has the subtype of AML known as promyelocytic leukemia

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia due to benzene exposure, speak with an experienced and trustworthy attorney who will evaluate your case and ensure that you receive the legal guidance and support you need.