Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Benzene

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer affecting the white blood cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia most often affects young children between the ages of two and five (80% of children suffering from leukemia suffer from ALL), and adults over the age of 50. If a case of ALL is left untreated, it can be fatal; however, if treated early, sufferers have a 25 to 75% chance of survival.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is referred to as a hematological malignancy because it is a cancer of the blood. The acute nature of the disease allows it to spread quickly throughout the body to other tissues and vital organs.

ALL - Blood Cells and Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is responsible for the production of immature stem cells that develop into three types of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. ALL specifically affects the white blood cells of the blood, lymph tissue and lymphoid tissue; these white blood cells are called lymphocytes.

People suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia produce high levels of abnormal white blood cells, also known as lymphoblasts. The overproduction of these underdeveloped white blood cells leaves little room for the development of normal blood cells. As such, ALL sufferers are susceptible to a host of diseases and conditions related to blood cell deficiencies.

Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia - ALL Diagnosis

Because ALL is an acute disease, its onset and progression can be sudden and aggressive. The symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia result from abnormally high levels of lymphoblasts in the blood. Symptoms of ALL can include:

The symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia often present in a generalized manner; however, if left untreated, they can worsen to the point of emergency.

The disease is typically diagnosed through testing a patient's complete blood count. Unfortunately, as many as 10% of ALL sufferers can present with normal blood film, making it impossible to diagnose the disease based on blood work alone. If a physician suspects ALL and blood film is normal, a bone marrow biopsy can be performed to examine for lymphoblasts.

Treatments for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Treatments for acute lymphocytic leukemia can be effective if the disease is diagnosed early enough. ALL treatments typically involve a combination of one or more modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow / stem cell transplants, growth factors and steroid therapy.

ALL treatments are often unsuccessful in producing complete remission; as such, the goal of most treatments is a lasting remission which is defined as having fewer than 5% lymphoblastic cells within the bone marrow.

Causes of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

It is unclear exactly what causes acute lymphocytic leukemia, though development of the deadly disease has been linked with excessive exposure to high doses of radiation and exposure to toxic chemicals such as benzene. Exposure to chemicals and radiation is especially dangerous if it occurs during pregnancy as both the mother and the newborn can develop a host of serious diseases. In addition, prenatal exposure to carcinogens greatly increases the risk of birth injury.

Benzene is commonly used for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes. As such, people are routinely faced with varying levels of exposure to the volatile solvent; most often in an occupational setting.

It is the responsibility of employers operating facilities that deal with benzene and/or benzene-laden materials to ensure the safety of their employees by taking measures to minimize exposure. Failure to take such measures is deemed negligent and grounds for legal action. Benzene lawsuits are designed to provide compensation for pain, suffering and legal expenses incurred as a result of an employer's negligence. If you or a loved one has developed a case of acute lymphocytic leukemia, it may be the result of benzene exposure. Contact a benzene lawyer to get additional information about your rights as an ALL victim. If your loved one has died due to benzene-related acute lymphocytic leukemia, an experienced wrongful death attorney might help you hold those responsible for your suffering financially liable.

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