Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a form of cancer of the blood. It originates in your bone marrow, the soft inner tissue of your bones. AML typically begins in cells that develop into white blood cells, although it can also begin in other blood-forming cells.
In acute forms of leukemia such as AML, bone marrow cells do not grow as they should. These immature cells, known as blasts, accumulate in the body.
Acute myeloid leukemia may also be referred to as the following:
- Acute myelocytic leukemia
- Acute myelogenous leukemia
- Acute granulocytic leukemia
- Acute lymphocyte-negative leukemia
AML is potentially fatal without treatment. It can quickly spread to your blood and other parts of your body, including your:
- Lymph nodes
- Liver
- Spleen
- Brain and spinal cord
- Testicles
Acute myeloid leukemia often begins with flu-like symptoms. You might have:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of weight or loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Abnormal bruising or bleeding
- Small red spots on the skin (petechiae)
- Swollen gums
- Swollen liver or spleen
- a greater number of infections than usual
Causes of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Frequently, doctors do not know the cause of AML. However, certain factors may increase your likelihood of getting it. Acute myeloid leukemia risk factors include:
Smoking
Certain chemicals, including benzene (a solvent used in oil refineries and other industries and found in cigarette smoke), pesticides, ionizing radiation, certain cleaning products, detergents, and paint strippers, can cause cancer.
Some chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, melphalan, and mitoxantrone, are used to treat other types of cancer.
Exposure to high doses of radiation Certain blood disorders, including myeloproliferative disorders, are exacerbated (for example, chronic myelogenous leukemia)
A parent or sibling diagnosed with AML
A number of genetic syndromes, including Down syndrome, trisomy 8, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Diagnostics of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Your physician will request your medical history. They will conduct a physical examination in search of signs of bleeding, bruising, or infection. You may encounter tests including:
Blood tests.
A complete blood count (CBC) measures the quantity of each blood cell type. A peripheral blood smear is performed to detect blast cells.
Imaging tests.
X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds provide a more accurate depiction of your internal state. They can detect infections and reveal the spread of cancer to other areas of the body.
Bone marrow examinations.
Your doctor takes a sample of bone marrow, blood, and bone from your hip or breastbone using a needle. A specialist examines it under a microscope for leukemia indicators.
Spinal tap.
Likewise known as a lumbar puncture. Your physician extracts cerebrospinal fluid from around your spinal cord using a needle. A specialist examines the sample for leukemia cells.
Genetic analyses.
A lab can examine your leukemia cells for gene or chromosomal alterations. The results will provide your physician with additional information about your AML, allowing them to assist you in selecting the optimal treatment.
Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Due to the rapid progression of acute myeloid leukemia, it is crucial to begin treatment immediately. It will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of AML you have, the extent to which it has spread, and your overall health.
The treatment will consist of two phases:
Induction of remission therapy. This treatment aims to eliminate all leukemia cells from your blood and bone marrow, putting you into remission.
Reconstruction therapy. Also known as post-remission therapy or remission continuation therapy. It is designed to eliminate any remaining leukemia cells so that the disease does not return.
In either phase, you may receive one or more types of treatment:
Chemotherapy. Certain medications can kill cancer cells or prevent their division. You may take these medications orally, intravenously, or by injection into another part of your body.
Radiation. X-rays with high energy can also kill cancer cells. Your physician may use a large machine to target the cancer with radiation. Or, a radioactive needle, seed, or wire may be inserted into or near the cancer.
Stem cell transplant. Because AML treatment can also kill healthy cells, stem cells that can develop into blood cells are a possibility. They may originate from you or someone else.
Targeted treatment. Drugs are used to target particular genes and proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Different medications. Arsenic trioxide (Trisenox) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) target cancer cells in acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of AML.