What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Acute myeloid leukemia is also referred to as benzene cancer. It is a type of cancer that accumulates in the blood marrow, affecting the white blood cells. The cancer cells interfere with the normal production of the regular blood cells in the body. This sickness affects adults and is a very rare disease.
Acute myelogenous leukemia is characterized by a drastic drop in the person's platelet, red blood cells, and white blood cells count. Symptoms include fatigue, easy bruising, bleeding, shortness of breath, and increased risks to common infections. This disease is quite fatal if left untreated for several weeks.
This disease can be caused by several factors. But one of the most celebrated culprits is exposure to benzene. This is the main reason why this type of rare leukemia is referred to as benzene cancer.
Benzene is an aromatic solvent that is believed to be the most controversial cause of acute myelogenous leukemia. Benzene, and all its derivatives, is considered a carcinogen. Carcinogens are toxic substances that can trigger cancer in a person.
Studies show that regular exposure to benzene increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia. Researches suggest that people who work in an environment where benzene was used tend to develop the disease later on in their lives. Mere inhalation of benzene can cause health problems in the long run. Benzene is also absorbed by the skin once it gets contact with it.
The use of benzene in consumer products is causing raves today. A lot of people are against the use of this compound on products such as adhesives, detergents, paints, and stain removers. A contact to compounds with high levels of benzene can cause negative body reactions such as dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness.
Acute myelogenous leukemia can be detected by submitting yourself to medical tests like complete blood count and bone marrow examination. Doctors would prescribe a series of chemotherapy sessions in the attempt to treat the disease. However, only a small percentage of patients sick with this disease can fully recover from it. And it would take months and years of treatments and tests before doctors can fully declare that the patient is totally cured from the disease.
People exposed to benzene in their workplace who are now suffering from this disease are advised to talk to a benzene cancer attorney to know their rights. The companies they work for are responsible for protecting them from the ill effects of the all hazardous chemicals in the work area. If they fail in this duty and their employees get sick, it is only right that legal steps are undertaken to correct the problem at hand.