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Myelodysplastic Syndrome

MDS is a condition that occurs when the blood stem cells that line bone marrow are damaged, leading to too few red blood cells. The condition can lead to anemia, and then progress to acute leukemia in one third of patients.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome has been connected to exposure to benzene. This chemical is used in the production of railroad products such as Safety-Kleen and various solvents. A former machinist who had been exposed to benzene for years working in the field developed cancer.

Causes

MDS affects the bone marrow. It is the spongy tissue inside your bones that is where new blood cells are made. If you suffer from MDS the bone marrow produces abnormal stem cells, which crowd the bone marrow and block it from making enough normal blood cells. Blood cells are vital to keep you healthy because they provide oxygen to fight infection, and stop bleeding by the process of clotting. You may experience low blood counts (anemia) as well as easy bleeding and bruising, as well as frequent infections if you have MDS.

MDS can be classified into subtypes according to which blood cell types are affected. There are two types of MDS: 1) single-lineage dysplasia, that causes one type of blood cell to be deficient; and) multilineage dysplasia, which causes more than one blood cell type to be low.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a myelodysplastic disorder including age, genetics, and exposure to certain chemicals. Benzene is one of the most well-known cancerous substances, has been linked with Myelodysplastic Syndrome railroad lawsuit disorder. Railroad workers exposed to benzene in the course of working may be at an increased risk of contracting this disease.

Chemicals such as trichloroethylene (perchloroethylene) ammonia, trichloroethylene (perchloroethylene), and trichloroethylene can increase the risk of developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome railroad injury syndrome. Solvents like these are used in industrial settings to degrease metal parts. Rail workers, such as track department employees and locomotive mechanics, are regularly exposed to these chemicals.

Symptoms

In a healthy person the bone marrow makes blood cells that mature into red blood cells white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The three blood cell types are different in their roles that include transporting oxygen and white blood cells guard against infection and platelets aid in stopping bleeding by clotting. In MDS blood cells that are not mature develop abnormally and do not fully function. As a result blood counts fall and symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and easy bleeding can develop.

MDS is classified into different subtypes based on the types of abnormal blood cells involved. A subtype, called single-lineage Myelodysplastic Syndrome cancer settlement dysplasia, for example has a small amount of a specific blood cell type. Another subtype, myelodysplastic syndrome mds syndrome with ring sideroblasts, involves a mix of blood cells types.

Benzene is the most significant cause of MDS. Railroad workers who used products like fuels, thinners, mineral spirits paints and degreasers were exposed to benzene on a daily basis. Additionally, machinists and locomotive engineers were often exposed to diesel exhaust.

Other causes include exposure to ammonia and herbicides, agricultural chemicals, and mercury. Myelodysplastic Syndrome railroad lawsuits Syndrome has also been linked with cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. MDS is a rare condition with limited treatment options. However, stem cell transplants are effective in many cases. In this procedure, stem cells taken from the bone marrow or blood are removed and then reinfused into the body. Stem cells are transformed into blood cells to replace damaged ones by radiation or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

If someone with MDS is diagnosed abnormal blood cells will be found in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissues inside bones where new blood cells are created. MDS causes the bone marrow cells in the body to produce abnormal stem cells that crowd out normal cells. This results in the body not having enough healthy blood cells. There are many types of MDS and each type has its own symptoms.

Some of these include dizziness, fatigue, and frequent infections. MDS can sometimes progress to leukemia.

Speak to our railroad injury attorneys about filing claim for FELA compensation claim for you or a loved one who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome as a result exposure to diesel fumes or benzene while working. FELA is a unique federal law that permits railroad workers to claim compensation for injuries they sustained while working at their jobs.

The lawyers at Sullivan & Associates are highly knowledgeable in railroad injuries and wrongful death cases. Contact us today for an appointment for a no-cost consultation. We represent clients across the nation. We are licensed in Florida and California Our company has offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, [Redirect-302] Tampa and other cities. We also assist clients via phone and video conference.

Treatment

In MDS, the blood-forming cells that reside in the bone marrow of your body become abnormal. In the result, you could have a low number of the types of blood cells that provide oxygen and fight infection (red blood cells) aiding your body to create healthy blood clots (platelets) or control bleeding.

Different kinds of MDS are treated differently and have different outcomes. The diagnosis is made by your doctor based on the bone marrow test and blood tests.

One in three patients could be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a tumor that begins in the bone marrow. If your MDS is not treated, it can grow to AML.

The test known as immunocytochemistry is used to identify antigens in samples of your bone marrow. Antibodies can be linked an enzyme, fluorescent dye, or both. When antibodies are bound to an antigen in your sample, the antibody-dye combination is visible under microscope. The type of antigen can help doctors determine whether your bone marrow is affected by abnormalities and the kind of MDS you might have.

Standard of care for MDS includes a variety of chemotherapy drugs. These include methotrexate, fludarabine, azacitidine and adecitabine. Inqovi, a drug that is now available in pills, was found to improve the survival of certain MDS patients and reduce the necessity for blood transfusions. Our railroad injury attorneys can help you understand both your medical and legal options.