Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Benzene exposure is linked to several rare illnesses, including a cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This particular type of leukemia, like others, develops in the bone marrow. However, it can progress rapidly, spreading to the blood, lymph nodes, organs, the nervous system and other parts of the body. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, acute myeloid leukemia can result in death within months.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Benzene
One of the known risk factors for acute myeloid leukemia is long-term benzene exposure. Benzene is an industrial solvent used in the manufacture of drugs, rubber, dyes and plastics, among other things. Individuals who work or have worked in these industries may face an increased 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 such cases, benzene and other hazardous chemicals may seep into the groundwater, which may be used or consumed by nearby residents.
Individuals who have experienced long-term benzene exposure and subsequently developed acute myeloid leukemia may be entitled to money damages. Talk to a benzene lawyer if you think you have a 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. This will allow the doctor identify any potential risk factors (such as benzene exposure) in the patient’s history. 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. since this may help ease symptoms or pain in the patient.
Diagnosed with AML?
If you have been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after long-term benzene exposure, contact the law firm of Burke & Eisner to learn more about your legal rights and options. We offer free claim evaluations, and we’ll tell you whether you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical expenses and other related costs.
Three ways to Contact Us:
-- Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.
-- Use the Contact Us form located on the Instant Answer Page
-- Call us: 1-800-838-0800
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