About Acute Myeloid Leukemia

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is a rapidly progressing disease in which the body produces abnormal white blood cells that interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Symptoms of AML include fatigue, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, and shortness of breath. Treatment for AML typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplantation.

What are the symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

The symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) can vary depending on the individual, but some of the most common symptoms include:

-Fatigue

-Fever

-Shortness of breath

-Easy bruising or bleeding

-Frequent infections

-Weight loss

-Bone or joint pain

-Pale skin

-Enlarged liver or spleen

-Abnormal bleeding from the gums or nose

-Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae)

-Excessive sweating, especially at night (night sweats)

What are the causes of Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

The exact cause of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is unknown. However, certain factors may increase a person's risk of developing the disease, including:

• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene
• Exposure to radiation
• Having certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome
• Having a family history of AML
• Being over the age of 65
• Having certain blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome
• Having certain infections, such as human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1)

What are the treatments for Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

The treatments for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) vary depending on the individual and the stage of the disease. Generally, treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy.

What are the risk factors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

1. Age: The risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 65.

2. Exposure to radiation: Exposure to high doses of radiation, such as from radiation therapy for another cancer, increases the risk of developing AML.

3. Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, increases the risk of developing AML.

4. Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing AML.

5. Family history: Having a family history of AML increases the risk of developing the disease.

6. Certain blood disorders: Having certain blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, increases the risk of developing AML.

7. Certain genetic disorders: Having certain genetic disorders, such

Is there a cure/medications for Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

Yes, there are treatments available for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy, and clinical trials. Medications used to treat AML may include cytarabine, daunorubicin, idarubicin, and others.