Acute myelogenous leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a form of blood and bone marrow cancer, affecting the spongy tissue within bones responsible for blood cell production.

• The term "acute" signifies the disease's rapid progression.
• AML affects myeloid cells, which typically mature into various blood cell types.
• Also known as acute myeloid leukemia or acute myeloblastic leukemia.

Symptoms

Early-stage symptoms of AML may resemble those of common illnesses like the flu:

• Fever
• Bone pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising
• Unusual bleeding

When to see a doctor

Consult a doctor if any unusual or concerning signs or symptoms develop.

Causes

AML arises from genetic mutations in bone marrow cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division:

• Bone marrow cells produce immature leukemic white blood cells, disrupting normal cell function.
• Factors triggering DNA mutations are not fully understood but certain risk factors increase susceptibility.

Risk factors

Factors elevating AML risk include:

• Advancing age
• Male gender
• Previous cancer treatment
• Radiation exposure
• Exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene
• Smoking
• Other blood disorders
• Genetic disorders like Down syndrome

While some individuals with AML have identifiable risk factors, many develop the condition without known causes, and not all individuals with risk factors develop the disease.