Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer and is one of many illnesses that occur with the exposure of benzene. Like other kinds of leukemia, it develops in the bone marrow spreads to the blood, lymph nodes, organs, the nervous system and other body parts. If it is not detected early enough, AML can be fatal within a few months.
Benzene Exposure
Exposure to benzene for a long period is a known risk factor. This carcinogen is a solvent used in industries that create drugs, rubber, dyes, plastics and other things. People working in these industries have a higher risk of developing AML.
Groundwater is another place where exposure to benzene can occur. This can happen near petroleum plants and gas stations when a leak happens or waste products were not disposed as it should be. Then these and other dangerous chemicals may soak into the groundwater and residents close by may consume these chemical
An individual who was exposed to this carcinogen for a long period and then developed acute myeloid leukemia may be allowed to seek compensation for the damages suffered. If you think your illness was caused by being exposed to benzene, contact a lawyer.
Additional Risk Factors
More factors increase the risk of acute myeloid leukemia consisting of:
- Smoking
- Some chemotherapy drugs, especially if combined with radiation therapy
- Some illnesses of the blood includes myelodysplastic syndrome, which damages the development of blood cells and may grow into leukemia
Common and Specific Symptoms
Common symptoms of this leukemia are likely to be similar to conditions that are not as severe. These symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Lack of appetite or weight loss
More specific symptoms include:
- Anemia and its related symptoms (lightheadedness, weakness, headache)
- Chronic infections
- Bone/joint pain
- Abdominal inflammation
- Swelling, pain, bleeding of the gums
- Rash (spottiness or bumps) on the skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is important that acute myeloid leukemia be diagnosed early and treated as soon as it is diagnosed for a positive result. In diagnosing this leukemia, doctors will need a complete medical history about the patient. A doctor will be able to tell if the patient was exposed to any risk factors such as benzene. A series of tests will be run including blood tests, lab tests and other related tests. If the illness was found in any tests, treatment plans will be set, for example:
- Chemotherapy
- Operation
- Radiation treatment
- Bone marrow transplant
- Clinical trials
Other treatments a doctor may suggest to relieve an individual's pain is acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, etc.
Diagnosed with AML?
Contact a lawyer if you were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia because of being exposed to benzene for a long period. Medical lawyers are experienced in these types of cases. They will evaluate your case at no cost and they will advise you of your legal options. You may be entitled to money damages for the medical costs and other associated expenses due to your condition.
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