Acute Myeloid Leukemia

There are many rare illinesses that can be linked to benzene exposure and the cancer acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of them. 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. An industrial solvent called benzene is used in the manufacture of drugs, rubber, dyes, plastics and more. People who work or previously worked in these industries increase their risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Another source of exposure to benzene is 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 some situations, residents nearby may consume the groundwater that has been infected with benzene and other hazardous chemicals. People who have been exposed to long-term exposure which resulted in acute myeloid leukemia may be entitled to some compensation. Contact a benzene lawyer if you suspect you have a legitimate case.

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. Your physician will be able to point out any risk factors such as benzene exposure in the history of the patient. Tests including blood tests, biopsies and other lab tests will be ran by your doctor. 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. since this may help ease symptoms or pain in the patient.

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. We will evaluate your claim for free to determine if you are eligible for compensation to cover your medical costs and other related costs.

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