Leukemia & Benzene

One of the various forms of blood cancers, Leukemia is focused in the blood and bone marrow. The cause of this type of cancer is a rapid rate of production from white blood cells which are abnormal. While the white blood cell is normally meant to fight off infection and protect the body, when they become abnormal they no longer serve their function and can actually prevent the bone marrow from producing platelets and red blood cells.There are different stages of leukemia that exist. It can be acute or chronic. Acute leukemia will need immediate attention due to the faster rate of advancement. Chronic is still extremely serious but it develops at a slower rate. The type of leukemia can be further classified depending on what location and what the cancer is targeting. Myelogenous leukemia takes place in the marrow cells which would eventually mature into platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. Lymphocytic leukemia is when the abnormal growth occurs in the marrow cells which would become white blood cells involved in immunity known as lymphocytes. Between acute, chronic, myelogenous and lymphocytic leukemia, there are four classifications which can be made (Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Acute myelogenous leukemia, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia).Who is at risk for this type of cancer? Typically those in a certain settings, including a work place, can have an increased chance. This includes when there is repeated exposure to chemical such as Benzene, exposure to radiation at higher levels, those undergoing chemotherapy or those with a history of it. There are a number of symptoms that exist and these can include bone pain, headaches, weight loss, fever, chills, pale color of the skin, bleeding gums and more. If you believe that you have developed a form of blood cancer as a result of your line of work, get in touch with our firm immediately.