AML Leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) from Benzene Exposure

Acute myelogenous leukemia, also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is the most serious of the benzene related leukemias. AML is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that attacks the body if left untreated. Healthy bone marrow produces immature blood cells that eventually develop into mature blood cells, including white and red cells and platelets. In AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or Acute Myeloid Leukemia), the immature blood cells develop into immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. These myeloblasts are abnormal and can take over the bone marrow and blood so there is less room for healthy mature cells to do their jobs. When this happens, infections, easy bleeding and anemia may occur.

Acute myelogenous leukemia involves a malignancy that arises in either granulocytes or monocytes, which are white blood cells that battle infectious agents throughout the body. AML is not inherited or contagious. It develops when there is a defect in the immature cells in the bone marrow. Although the exact cause of AML is unknown, exposure to benzene, cigarettes smoking, and prior exposure to chemotherapy drugs are linked to the disease.

There are a number of sources of benzene exposure, and these include products such as solvents, detergents, plastics, synthetic fibers, dyes, rubber, resins, paint, and many other items. This chemical can also be found within the petroleum industry. Those at highest risk of prolonged or high level exposure are people that work with the chemical. Those working with petroleum based solvents are classed as high risk because they inhale the vapors and are at an increased risk for AML leukemia. Some of the high risk group occupations have been identified as chemical workers, refinery workers, rubber workers, workers in the printing industry, leather workers, press workers, painters, and gasoline distributors.

Benzene and AML Leukemia Risk Factors

Risk factors for the development of AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or Acute Myeloid Leukemia) are:

• Being male
• Smoking, especially after 60
• Having some form of treatment that requires chemotherapy or radiation
• Having treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the past
• Exposure to benzene or radiation
• Having a history of blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

AML Leukemia Symptoms

Possible signs of adult AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or Acute Myeloid Leukemia) are:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive bruising or bleeding
• Petechia (pin sized spots under skin)
• Weakness or excessive tiredness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

Benzene – AML Leukemia Lawyer

The Willis Law Firm, with its principle office in Houston, Texas, has represented seriously injured clients and their families for over 23 years. Our law firm has the resources and expertise to take on the biggest refineries, chemical plants, and corporations in the world. With the Willis Law Firm, you get a dedicated team of legal professionals to handle your case. Mr Willis is a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a former Briefing Attorney on the Supreme Court of Texas and has been awarded the highest peer review rating by the Martindale Hubbell Group. Mr. Willis is also licensed in New York and handles cases throughout the United States with the association of local counsel on particular cases. Mr. Willis has achieved a national reputation for his dedication, legal skills and work ethic for his clients.

Benzene Lawsuits – Talk to a Benzene Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any of the following leukemia's, then please contact us immediately:

• Aplastic Anemia (AA)
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

Consulting with an attorney to discuss a potential benzene exposure lawsuit is time sensitive. Each state has a specific rule called a Statute of Limitation that restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, with over 25 years of experience. We will help answer your questions. Click the link below to fill out our free and confidential benzene lawsuit evaluation.

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