4. Skin Prone To Bruising
In acute myeloid leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. Hence, the bone marrow cannot function properly and the normal clotting process of the blood is disturbed. As a result, the blood vessels under the skin can break more easily. This leads to the formation of bruises.
Furthermore, acute myeloid leukemia can cause a decrease in the number of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. When there are not enough platelets in the blood, it can take longer for a bruise to heal and the skin may be more prone to bruising.
3. Purple Or Red Spots On The Skin
Purple or red spots on the skin, also known as petechiae, are a common symptom of acute myeloid leukemia. Petechiae occur due to bleeding under the skin and they appear as small, flat spots that are usually red or purple.
In acute myeloid leukemia, petechiae occur as a result of the abnormal white blood cells interfering with the normal clotting process of the blood. These cells can damage the blood vessels, causing them to leak and resulting in the formation of petechiae.
2. A Sense Of Fullness Or Discomfort In The Tummy
Acute myeloid leukemia can cause the spleen to enlarge, which can lead to abdominal distension. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen that helps filter the blood and remove old or damaged blood cells.
In some cases, acute myeloid leukemia can also cause the liver to enlarge, which can lead to abdominal distension.
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
In rare cases, acute myeloid leukemia may metastasize to the lymph nodes, causing them to increase in size. Enlarged nodes in the neck, groin, underarm, or above the collarbone may be palpable as nodules under the skin.
Individuals with acute myeloid leukemia are also more susceptible to infections and some infections can cause the lymph nodes to enlarge.
Treatments And Care
It is important to treat acute myeloid leukemia because it is a rapidly progressing cancer that can quickly spread to other parts of the body. It can potentially lead to life-threatening complications, including organ failure, sepsis, and death.
Treating acute myeloid leukemia is important to improve survival rates, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. The specific treatment approach depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and the characteristics of the AML cells.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of acute myeloid leukemia are crucial for the best possible outcome.
Below are acute myeloid treatments worth knowing about.
6. Remission Induction Therapy
Remission induction therapy is a common treatment approach used in the management of acute myeloid leukemia. The primary goal of this therapy is to induce remission, which means that the leukemia cells are no longer detectable in the blood or bone marrow.
This is an important step in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, as it allows for the subsequent administration of consolidation therapy, which is aimed at killing any remaining leukemia cells and reducing the risk of recurrence.
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