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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Condition Basics

What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is also called acute myelogenous leukemia. It's a type of leukemia that causes the body to make too many myeloblasts.

Myeloblasts are a type of young white blood cell. They usually become mature, infection-fighting cells. But if those young cells don't mature like they should, they can start to grow abnormally and out of control. Then they can crowd out normal blood-making cells and cause swollen glands or other lumps.

What causes it?

Experts don't know what causes leukemia in most people. But they think that most leukemia happens because of things in the environment and in a person's genes.

Some things may increase the risk, such as having certain genetic conditions or being exposed to large amounts of radiation or certain chemicals.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of AML include weakness and fatigue, fever, and night sweats. You may also bruise or bleed easily or have pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs. Or you may have pinpoint spots under the skin from bleeding.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will do a physical exam and blood tests. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy also will likely be done. If the results point to leukemia, the doctor may do more tests on the blood or bone marrow samples to learn more about the type or subtype of leukemia it is.

How is AML treated?

Treatment for AML usually has two steps. Chemotherapy, Opens dialog is given to put leukemia into remission, Opens dialog. Then post-remission therapy is given to treat any remaining leukemia cells and reduce the risk of relapse. This therapy may involve getting more chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant, Opens dialog. You may also have targeted therapy, Opens dialog or get other medicines.

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Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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