| What is Acute Myelogenous Leukemia? |
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| Environment - Environment |
| Written by Laurette Langerstein |
| Monday, 08 June 2009 09:31 |
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Acute myelogenous leukemia or AML is a type of cancer that targets the blood and the bone marrow. The blood cells inside the human body are composed of platelets called red blood cells and white blood cells. AML patients have a lack sufficient amounts of red or white blood cells; in some cases the said cells materialize at an abnormal or uncontrollably rapid pace, which results in the illness progressing and developing inside the human body.
Acute myelogenous leukemia or AML is a type of cancer that targets the blood and the bone marrow. The blood cells inside the human body are composed of platelets called red blood cells and white blood cells. AML patients have a lack sufficient amounts of red or white blood cells; in some cases the said cells materialize at an abnormal or uncontrollably rapid pace, which results in the illness progressing and developing inside the human body. Statistics in recent times indicate that in the United States alone, every year there are approximately 11,900 new cases diagnosed. Studies also indicate that the average age of a person suffering from AML is 65; the studies further show that acute myelogenous leukemia is most commonly developed through benzene exposure, and is not contagious or hereditary. Benzene Benzene is a chemical compound that has high flammable properties, and is an established carcinogen. Benzene is a significant solvent used in industrial purposes, used in the production of plastic, certain drugs/medications and rubber; however its role in gasoline manufacturing has already been limited. Various cancer types, along with acute myelogenous leukemia, have been associated to exposure to benzene. The following health problems can also be caused by benzene exposure: *Leukemia and other forms of cancer *Anemia development *Feeling dizzy and confused *Depression of the immune system Acute Myelogenous Leukemia's Symptoms In most cases, acute myelogenous leukemia patients do not know that they have been exposed to benzene without being aware of the risks, they unknowingly experience benzene inhalation or ingestion as they go about their daily lives. As time goes by, benzene exposure can result to fatal diseases such as acute myelogenous leukemia. Sadly, patients are occasionally diagnosed when it is already too late, and there is no way to prevent the illness from being fatal. Some symptoms of AML include: *Joint or bone pain *shortness of breath and fatigue *Infections that are recurring *Abdomen swells About the Author: You can learn more about Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and benzene when you read the entries on the Benzene Leukemia Law Blog. |