Learn About Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of several rare illnesses that is the result of exposure to benzene. Like other types of leukemia, this type develops in the bone marrow. 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. Many products such as drugs, rubber, dyes and plastics used an industrial solvent called benzene during the manufacturing process. Working in these industries will increase a person’s risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia, even if you previously worked there. Groundwater is another place where a person can be exposed to benzene. For example, the groundwater that is close to industrial sites, petroleum plants and gas stations can become polluted if there is an occurrence of leak problems or if the waste products were not disposed of correctly. There are cases where benzene and other chemicals that are hazardous may seep into the groundwater and residents may consume it. An individual may be entitled to some monetary compensation is he or she has been exposed to benzene for a long period of time and developed acute myeloid leukemia because of it. 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. Looking at the patient’s history, a doctor can point out any risk factors including benzene exposure. After that, your physician will run some tests such as blood tests, biopsies and other 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.
Have You Been Diagnosed with AML?
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.