Benzene causes AML leukemia — more precisely, these two cancers of the blood and bone marrow:
- acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside the bones that is responsible for blood cell production.
Causes
AML is caused by damage to the DNA of developing cells in the bone marrow. When this happens, the bone marrow produces immature cells that develop into leukemic white blood cells called myeloblasts. These abnormal cells are unable to function properly, and they can build up and crowd out healthy cells.
Symptoms
In the early stages of AML, symptoms may mimic those of the flu or other common diseases. However, the symptoms may vary based on the type of blood cell affected.
Diagnosis
Methods of diagnosis include blood tests, which are often followed by a bone marrow test and lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
Blood tests can suggest leukemia, but bone marrow tests are typically used to confirm the diagnosis. Spinal taps are also used to check spinal cord fluid for leukemia cells.
Treatment
Factors such as age, overall health, and the subtype of AML will affect the method of treatment.
The two general treatment phases include remission induction therapy and consolidation therapy.
Chemotherapy, other drug therapies, stem cell transplants, and clinical trials are common therapies used in the two aforementioned phases of treatment.
More Information
- Overview of Benzene Exposures
- Exposure to Benzene
- Benzene-Related Diseases
- Workers Exposed to Benzene
- Benzene Exposure in Industries
- Benzene-Containing Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
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