Acute monocytic leukemia

Acute Monocytic Leukemia (AML) is a subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal monocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the bone marrow, which interferes with the production of normal blood cells.

Etiology

The exact cause of Acute Monocytic Leukemia is unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified, including exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, a history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and certain genetic disorders such as Down syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Acute Monocytic Leukemia can vary, but often include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and bleeding or bruising easily. Other symptoms may include bone pain, shortness of breath, and frequent infections due to a decreased number of healthy white blood cells.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Acute Monocytic Leukemia typically involves a complete blood count (CBC), a bone marrow biopsy, and cytogenetic analysis to identify any genetic abnormalities. Additional tests may be performed to determine the specific subtype of AML and to guide treatment decisions.

Treatment

Treatment for Acute Monocytic Leukemia typically involves chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells, followed by stem cell transplantation to replace the damaged bone marrow. Other treatments may include targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Acute Monocytic Leukemia can vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and the specific characteristics of the leukemia. However, with aggressive treatment, many patients can achieve remission.

See also

• Leukemia
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Monocyte
• Chemotherapy
• Stem cell transplantation