Acute Myeloid Leukemia Overview

Acute myeloid leukemia or AML is a form of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. This medical condition is also known by many other names, such as acute granulocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. This type of cancer typically occurs when myeloid cells in the bone marrow fail to mature into normal and healthy blood cells. It is these cells that grow into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Although acute myeloid leukemia can develop in all age groups, it is most often seen in adults aged 65 years and older. Men are found to be more prone to this condition than women. 

Likewise, people with a history of exposure to excessive doses of radiation have a greater risk of acute myeloid leukemia. Other most common risk factors for AML include smoking, weak immune system caused by an organ transplantation, history of treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, genetic conditions like Down’s syndrome, exposure to some types of chemicals, and certain blood diseases, such as thrombocythemia, myelodysplasia syndrome, and polycythemia vera. It has also been noted that individuals who have undergone cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, have an increased chance to develop acute myeloid leukemia. 

The abnormal blood cells, known as myeloblasts or myeloid blasts, are not able to function as normal blood cells. Moreover, they grow rapidly and can accumulate in the bone marrow and blood, replacing the healthy and normal blood cells. Naturally, people who suffer from acute myeloid leukemia have a weakened immune system and can easily develop infections, bleeding problems, and anemia. If left untreated, this cancer can become life-threatening. It can also extend to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, brain, spinal cord, spleen, liver, and testicles. 

It is believed that acute myeloid leukemia is mainly caused by a mutation in the DNA of growing bone marrow cells. However, the exact causes of this abnormal change are not yet identified. AML can produce many symptoms, such as bone pain, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, recurrent infections, bleeding from gum and nose, loss of weight, pallor or pale skin, easy bruising, night sweats, and skin rash. Women with this cancer may experience heavy menstrual periods. 

Blood tests can help determine whether a person has acute myeloid leukemia. If he of she has AML, his or her blood may have increased white blood cells, reduced red blood cells, and low platelet count. The physical signs of acute myeloid leukemia can include inflamed lymph nodes, spleen, or liver. The doctor may recommend a bone marrow aspiration or spinal tap to confirm the diagnosis. You may also be advised to undergo several other tests to check the health of your internal organs and to find out the subtype of AML you suffer from. 

Acute myeloid leukemia is classified into several subtypes and the treatment and prognosis is usually based on the age, overall physical condition, and the subtype of AML the patient has. Typically, the treatment for AML consists of two stages, remission induction therapy and consolidation therapy or post-remission therapy. The remission induction therapy is intended to destroy the leukemia cells in the bone marrow and blood, and can involve chemotherapy, drug therapy, or a combination of both. Consolidation treatment options include stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. In most cases, complete remission can be achieved with treatment.