Before we begin: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the white blood cells. AML usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. Read more.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about acute myeloid leukemia. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is leukemia? Leukemia is a term for cancers of the blood cells. Leukemia starts in blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow. Your bone marrow makes the cells which will develop into white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of cell has a different job:
White blood cells help your body fight infection
Red blood cells deliver oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and organs
Platelets help form clots to stop bleeding
When you have leukemia, your bone marrow makes large numbers of abnormal cells. This problem most often happens with white blood cells. These abnormal cells build up in your bone marrow and blood. They crowd out the healthy blood cells and make it hard for your cells and blood to do their work.
What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of acute leukemia. “Acute” means that the leukemia usually gets worse quickly if it’s not treated. In AML, the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells, or platelets. When the abnormal cells crowd out the healthy cells, it can lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding. The abnormal cells can also spread outside the blood to other parts of the body.
There are several different subtypes of AML. The subtypes are based on how developed the cancer cells are when you get your diagnosis and how different they are from normal cells.
What causes acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? AML happens when there are changes in the genetic material (DNA) in bone marrow cells. The cause of these genetic changes is unknown. However, there are certain factors that raise your risk of AML.
Who is at risk for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? The factors that raise your risk of AML include:
Being male
Smoking, especially after age 60
Having had chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as a child
Exposure to the chemical benzene
A history of another blood disorder such as myelodysplastic syndrome
What are the symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? The signs and symptoms of AML include:
Fever
Shortness of breath
Easy bruising or bleeding
Petechiae, which are tiny red dots under the skin. They are caused by bleeding.
Weakness or feeling tired
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Bone or joint pain, if the abnormal cells build up near or inside the bones
How is acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose AML and figure out which subtype you have:
A physical exam
A medical history
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and blood smear
Bone marrow tests. There are two main types - bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy. Both tests involve removing a sample of bone marrow and bone. The samples are sent to a lab for testing.
Genetic tests to look for gene and chromosome changes
If you are diagnosed with AML, you may have additional tests to see whether the cancer has spread. These include imaging tests and a lumbar puncture, which is a procedure to collect and test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What are the treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? Treatments for AML include:
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
Other anticancer medicines
Which treatment you get often depends on which subtype of AML you have. Treatment is usually done in two phases:
The goal of the first phase is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. This puts the leukemia into remission. Remission means that the signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or have disappeared.
The second phase is known as post-remission therapy. Its goal is to prevent a relapse (return) of the cancer. It involves killing any remaining leukemia cells that may not be active but could begin to regrow.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Also known as: AML, ANLL, Acute myelogenous leukemia.
Related topics: AML, Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia, Leukemia, Myeloblastic, Acute, Leukemia, Myelogenous, Acute, Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute.
Categories: Cancers, Blood, Heart and Circulation.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Cancer Institute.
Key Takeaways
Understanding acute myeloid leukemia is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.