What is Acute Myelogenous Leukemia?
AML or acute myelogenous leukemia is a type of cancer that attacks the human body’s bone marrow and blood. The blood cells inside a human body are composed of red blood cells and white blood cells, also known as platelets. Patients who suffer from AML have insufficient amounts of red or white blood cells; in some cases these cells are cultivated in an anomalous, usually reckless pace, which results to the progression and development of illnesses.
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:
*Different forms of cancer, primarily leukemia
*Anemia development
*Confusion and dizziness
*Immune system depressed
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia’s Symptoms
Patients who suffer from acute myelogenous leukemia are commonly unaware that they have been exposed to benzene. This is exposure often occurs through accidental ingestion or inhalation due to the nature of their work, or in their immediate surroundings. Benzene exposure over a prolonged period of time can result to acute myelogenous leukemia and other fatal diseases, which are sadly oftentimes diagnosed too late for the fatal end-results to be reversed.
Some symptoms of AML include:
*Pain in the bone or joints
*Fatigue and shortness of breath
*Infections that are recurring
*Abdominal swelling