Below, you’ll find must-know information about acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Acute myeloid leukemia, also known as AML, typically originates in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue found in the center of some bones responsible for producing new blood cells. (1)
However, it frequently metastasizes into the bloodstream and in some instances, it can disseminate to other parts of the body such as the liver, lymph nodes, testicles, spleen, and central nervous system.
Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by the development of genetic mutations in the DNA of bone marrow cells, which are responsible for providing instructions to the cells on how to function.
Ordinarily, DNA instructs the cell to grow and mature at a specific rate and time. In the case of acute myeloid leukemia, the mutations disrupt the normal DNA instructions, compelling the bone marrow cells to continue dividing and growing uncontrollably. (2)
There are several alternative names for acute myeloid leukemia. These may include acute myelogenous leukemia, acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute myelocytic leukemia.
There are several factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and age is one of them. This particular disease is more common in older adults, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 65.
Radiation and chemotherapy treatments used to treat other types of cancer can increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia, especially if the treatments were received at a young age or in high doses.
Exposure to chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are found in some pesticides, industrial chemicals, and tobacco smoke, can also increase the risk of developing this particular disease.
Other risk factors include smoking, certain genetic disorders, family history, and gender. Men are slightly more likely than women to develop it.
If left untreated, acute myeloid leukemia can result in life-threatening complications. Knowing the various symptoms can help in the early detection of this disease.
Below are acute myeloid leukemia symptoms worth knowing about.
15. Fatigue
Fatigue is the result of the leukemia cells growing rapidly and interfering with the production of normal blood cells, including red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Hence, the body may not be getting enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Another reason for fatigue in acute myeloid leukemia is that the cancer cells produce waste products that can accumulate in the body and cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and muscle aches.
14. Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath is caused by the lack of oxygen the body is getting. Since the leukemia cells are already impeding the production of normal blood cells, there’s not enough oxygen that’s circulating in the body.
Another reason for shortness of breath in acute myeloid leukemia is that the cancer cells can infiltrate the lungs and cause inflammation or infection. This can also affect breathing.
13. Infections
Acute myeloid leukemia can weaken the body’s defenses against infections. Since this particular disease suppresses the normal function of the immune system, the risk of infections increases.
As the leukemia cells grow rapidly and interfere with the production of normal blood cells, the body may not be able to fight off infections as effectively. Hence, the individual is more prone to infections.
12. Unexplained Weight Loss
The lack of oxygen in the body can cause unexplained weight loss. Acute myeloid leukemia can also affect the body’s metabolism and cause unexplained weight loss.
Inflammation caused by the disease can also lead to weight loss. Other factors such as stress, depression, anxiety, or the side effects of medications used to treat acute myeloid leukemia can also contribute to unexplained weight loss.
11. Bruising Or Bleeding Easily
Acute myeloid leukemia can suppress the normal function of the bone marrow. This not only interferes with the production of normal blood cells but with platelets as well. Hence, platelets in the body decrease.
Platelets are necessary for blood clotting and help prevent bleeding. As a result, the body may not be able to form blood clots as effectively, leading to bruising or bleeding.
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