Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of several rare illnesses that is the result of exposure to benzene. This type of leukemia develops in the bone marrow as do other types. Progressing rapidly, parts of the body such as the blood, lymph nodes, organs, the nervous system and other parts will be affected from it spreading. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, acute myeloid leukemia can result in death within months.

AML & Benzene

One of the known risk factors for acute myeloid leukemia is long-term benzene exposure. During the manufacturing process of drugs, rubber, dyes, plastics, among other products, an industrial solvent called benzene is used. People who work or previously worked in these industries increase their risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. A person can be exposed to benzene through groundwater. For instance, the groundwater near industrial sites, petroleum plants and gas stations can become contaminated when a leak occurs or when waste products are not properly disposed. In such cases, benzene and other hazardous chemicals may seep into the groundwater, which may be used or consumed by nearby residents. People who have been exposed to long-term exposure which resulted in acute myeloid leukemia may be entitled to some compensation. If you think you have a legitimate case, contact a benzene lawyer.

Additional AML Risk Factors

Additional factors that increase the risk of acute myeloid leukemia include:

• Smoking
• Certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly when taken in combination with radiation therapy
• Certain disorders of the blood such as myelodysplastic syndrome, which impairs the formation of blood cells and may evolve into leukemia

Symptoms of AML

General symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia tend to resemble symptoms of other less-severe conditions. Such symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite/weight loss

More specific symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia include:

• Anemia and its related symptoms (lightheadedness, weakness, headache)
• Recurring infections
• Bone or joint pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Gum swelling, pain and/or bleeding
• Skin rash (spottiness or lumps on the skin)

Diagnosis and Treatment of AML

Early diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia is crucial for an optimal outcome. To make a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, a doctor will first obtain a complete medical history on the patient. As your doctor looks at the history of the patient, they will be able to spot any possible risk factors including benzene exposure. Next the doctor must run a battery of tests including blood tests, biopsies and various lab tests. If the tests point to acute myeloid leukemia, the doctor will prescribe a treatment plan that may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Clinical trials

Sometimes a doctor will encourage complementary treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, etc. Symptoms or pain of a patient my be lessened with this help.

AML Diagnosis?

If you have been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after long-term benzene exposure, contact a benzene attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options. You may be able to get some compensation to cover medical expenses and other expenses related and we can evaluate your case at no cost to you.