What does "AML" mean?
Table of Contents
Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It happens when the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy cells. This can lead to problems like infections, bleeding, and fatigue.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of AML is not fully known, but certain factors can increase the risk. These include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and some genetic conditions. People who have had previous cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, may also be at higher risk of developing AML.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of AML include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever or chills
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose AML through blood tests and bone marrow tests. These tests help see the number and type of cells in the blood and bone marrow.
Treatment
Treatment for AML often involves chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells. In some cases, doctors may recommend stem cell transplants to help restore healthy blood cells. Some new treatments are being studied, such as drugs that help the body’s immune system fight cancer.
Outlook
The outlook for someone with AML can vary. While some patients achieve complete remission, many may face a relapse. Ongoing research aims to find better ways to treat and understand this disease, including how certain genetic changes can affect patient outcomes.