Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Benzene

Although many people have often heard of various types of cancer like leukemia and MDS, everyone is not always educated about what causes these illnesses and the different types of treatments that are available. With all the forms of leukemia there are many questions but it is best to first understand myleodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in its entirety.

MDS syndrome is a combined formulation of various hematological conditions that are joined when a lack of white and red blood cells is present in the body. MDS occurs because of the bone marrow stem cell and can begin the uncontrollable production of the blood cells in the bloodstream. Until recently this fatal cancer was most commonly referred to as preleukemia since it almost always anticipates the development of leukemia, or the cancer of the blood.

The Causes of MDS

When doctors refer to a patient with MDS syndrome experiencing an abnormal production and reproduction of blood cells, this means that the patient’s blood is manifesting itself by creating negative defects in its blood-forming cells. Due to the continual problem with the blood cells, it will worsen and the bone marrow will begin to deteriorate slowly.

Although MDS syndrome can be genetic, particularly in children who develop the cancer, there are also environmental factors that have been known to cause abnormalities in healthy cells, creating cancer-causing ones. Of the many causes of the different types of cancers, being exposed to the chemical benzene is a common cause. Benzene is a toxic chemical that is used in sodas, cigarettes, gasoline and in the production of different goods. There are many cases where a person that has MDS from exposure to benzene were unaware they were breathing in the chemical at all.

Caution Signs

Researchers claim that one-third of all MDS syndrome victims’ health worsens following their initial diagnosis and they in turn develop acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Some common symptoms of MDS syndrome include:

Bleeding and Bruising
Reoccurring Infections
Extreme Tiredness
Pale skin

If you or someone you know is suffering from one or all of the above symptoms or you’re still unclear about what MDS is, please contact us today to speak with one of our trustworthy attorneys who will evaluate your case and ensure that you receive the legal guidance you deserve.