Acute Myeloid Leukemia Overview

What To Expect

In the early stages of acute myeloid leukemia, patients may have anemia, which can cause fatigue, chronic infections, bleeding with minor cuts, bruising, paleness, and shortness of breath. On rare occasions, gum tissue in the mouth will swell or bleed. This form of leukemia is often discovered by having an abnormal result on a complete blood count test, though to confirm findings, doctors may also take a bone marrow biopsy. Without proper treatment, acute myeloid leukemia can prove fatal. The organs affected by the abnormal cells are the liver, spleen, brain, spinal cord, and lymph nodes. The outcome of the affected organs could be overall organ damage or even organ failure.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase an individual's risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia. These factors include being exposed to highly concentrated amounts of radiation, smoking, exposure to chemicals such as benzene as well as some detergents and paint strippers over time, chemotherapy drugs such as mechlorethamine, as well as the presence of congenital conditions such as Down syndrome. Furthermore, it is important to note research indicates men are at a higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia than women, although both sexes can develop the disease.