Understanding MDS
A lot of people are somewhat familiar with different types of cancer like leukemia or MDS; however very few truly know what the causes for these illnesses are, or what treatment options are available. It is therefore very beneficial to have a clear-cut view of what myleodysplastic syndromes really are, before asking further questions regarding the subject.
MDS are a combined constitution of different hematological conditions that are integrated when there is an absence of adequate amounts of red and white blood cells in the body. MDS results from the bone marrow stem cell, causing a disorderly production of blood cells in the bloodstream. For many years this fatal form of cancer has commonly been called as “preleukemia” because it almost always leads to the development of leukemia, which is the cancer of the blood.
The Causes of MDS
Patients suffering from MDS syndrome are those who experience erratic production and reproduction of blood cells. This means that the patient’s blood makes itself known by producing adverse defects in the cells responsible for blood formation. This dilemma with the blood cells can continue to worsen, leading to the gradual deterioration of the bone marrow.
Aside from genetic factors, environmental ones are also being looked into with regards to the cause of abnormalities in otherwise healthy cells in a human body (in turn producing cancer-causing ones).
Benzene is a toxic chemical that is consider to have cancer causing effects on the body. This chemical is used in the production of a variety of products such as gasoline, sodas and cigarettes. People who develop MDS are often not aware that they have been exposed to Benzene until it is too late.
Caution Signs for MDS
Studies have shown that about 1/3 of the patients who have MDS syndrome experience worsened health after their first diagnosis, resulting to the development of AML or acute myelogenous leukemia. Symptoms of MDS include:
*Paleness of skin
*Bleeding and bruising
*Fatigue that is extreme
*Infections the recur
If you believed you have been exposed to benzene, speak with an experienced attorney today so that your case will be evaluated.
Find articles and news about MDS and how it can be related to benzene exposure at the Benzene Leukemia Lawblog