AML (acute myelogenous leukemia)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (know as AML, acute myeloid leukemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia) is a blood cancer that forms in white blood cells. White blood cells are critical the body's immune system.
Blood Cells Help the Body
White blood cells carry enzymes that can destroy foreign bacteria or cells that threaten the body. They travel through the bloodstream, locate the target and then absorb and destroy it. In healthy individuals, white blood cells grow in the bone marrow, perform their tasks properly and when finished die and are replaced by healthy new cells. Normally, white blood cells are produced in large numbers in bone marrow and this protects the body.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia develops disrupts the body's process of producing properly functioning white blood cells. Instead, the bone marrow may make cancerous white blood cells. These cells quickly reproduce in the bone marrow, squeezing out the production of normal red and white blood cells. The reduction in normal white and reb blood cells has two negative consequences: the reduction of white blood cells weakens the body's immune system and the red blood cell decrease causes anemia. AML patients will find themselves prone to infections and unable to do strenuous physical activity.
Treatments
Chemotherapy is generally effective with AML treatment. Treatment is generally effective, with 70% of cancers going into remission. Leukemia is divided into two general types, Acute and Chronic. Acute leukemia is very aggressive and requires immediate treatment while chronic leukemia is much less deadly and go on for years without treatment.
Causes
AML may be related to benzene or radiation. If you have worked for oil companies or chemical companies, your exposure may be related to benzene fumes. Benzene is a chemical used often in the production of plastics and other chemical products. It has a sweet smell and workers in petroleum industries, such as on tankers, often are heavily exposed to it.
Victims of benzene poisoning and their families may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and to help get the best treatment.