Acute myelocytic leukemia

Acute Myelocytic Leukemia (AML), also known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, is a cancer that originates in the bone marrow and quickly progresses, leading to an abnormal increase in white blood cells. This type of leukemia is most common in adults, but it can occur in children as well.

Etiology

The exact cause of AML is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. These include exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, such as benzene, and certain chemotherapy drugs. Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, can also increase the risk of developing AML.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AML can vary, but often include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and frequent infections due to the lack of normal white blood cells. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, and petechiae (tiny red spots under the skin caused by bleeding).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AML typically involves blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and blood smear, and bone marrow tests. A lumbar puncture may also be performed to check for leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Treatment

Treatment for AML usually involves chemotherapy, which can be divided into two phases: induction therapy and consolidation therapy. Induction therapy aims to destroy the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow to induce remission. Consolidation therapy, also known as post-remission therapy, aims to destroy any remaining leukemia cells that may not be actively dividing but could begin to regrow and cause a relapse.

Prognosis

The prognosis for AML varies depending on a number of factors, including the subtype of AML, the patient's age and overall health, and the presence of certain genetic mutations. Despite advances in treatment, the overall five-year survival rate for adults with AML is only about 25%.

See also

• Leukemia
• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndrome