Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that effects the blood and bone marrow and is known to be caused by exposure to benzene. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This cancer progresses quickly and affects immature blood cells. Specifically, it’s a form of cancer in which the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Too many of these lymphocytes become leukemia cells that are not able to fight infection very well. As the number of leukemia cells increase, it creates less room for healthy cells.
Risk Factors for ALL
Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a bone marrow cell develops errors in its DNA. Risk factors to getting acute lymphocytic leukemia include exposure to chemicals such as benzene. Other known risk factors include cancer therapies using chemotherapy or radiation.
What is Benzene and Where is it Found?
Benzene is a colorless or light colored chemical with a sweet odor. Benzene is formed naturally in volcanoes and forest fires. It is also a natural component of crude oil and gasoline (and therefore motor vehicle exhaust), as well as cigarette smoke. Benzene is also used to manufacture plastics, lubricants, rubbers, paints, solvents, detergents, and pesticides, among other items. Individuals at greatest risk of long-term benzene exposure are those involved in the manufacture and transportation of benzene-containing products. This includes individuals working in the rubber industry, chemical plants, oil refineries, shoe manufacturers, and gasoline related industries, among others. Benzene is known to cause cancer. In the event you have been exposed to benzene over a long period of time and have been diagnosed with ALL, call 1-800 BENZENE today to speak with an attorney. You may have a claim against one of the corporations that caused your illness.
Symptoms and Treatment Options for ALL
Many symptoms of ALL mimic symptoms of the flu. Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia may include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, vomiting, shortness of breath, pale skin, enlarged lymph nodes, bone pain, body aches, unexplained bruising, frequent infections, frequent or severe nosebleeds, or bleeding from the gums. In order to diagnose ALL, doctors will run a series of tests. Tests may include blood tests, bone marrow tests, imaging tests, or spinal fluid tests. Treatment of ALL will depend on various factors, such as the stage of cancer. However, common treatments include chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALL and you believe it could be related to past toxic exposures, call 1-800 BENZENE today to speak with an attorney.
