Acute myeloid leukemia, also known as AML, is a form of cancer that can affect both the bone marrow and the blood. This type of cancer can be aggressive and dangerous. Early cancer treatment increases the patient's treatment and recovery chances. What signs of acute myleoid leukemia should you look out for? Check out the following review.

What is Acute Myleoid Leukemia (AML)?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an uncommon kind of cancer that affects bone marrow and blood. This form of cancer primarily affects people who are 60 years old or older, although it can also occur in adults and children.

The term "acute" used to describe this condition signifies its rapid onset and the urgent need for immediate medical intervention. Through technological advancements and improved methods of early detection and treatment, patients have the opportunity to increase their chances of achieving a full recovery.

Acute myeloid leukemia occurs when genetic abnormalities or changes develop in the DNA of bone marrow cells. These changes induce the rapid growth and division of bone marrow cells. Consequently, there is an unregulated proliferation of blood cells. The bone marrow produces immature cells that have the potential to differentiate into cancerous cells known as myeloblasts. These abnormal cells are unable to perform their functions effectively, leading to their accumulation and eventually displacing healthy cells.

The cause of DNA mutations remains unknown; however, experts have found risk factors that are associated with an increased risk, including: 

• Age
• Male gender
• Have had previous cancer treatment
• Radiation exposure
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Smoking
• Other blood or genetic disorders
  

This condition is also referred to as acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and acute non-lymphatic leukemia.

Read more: Getting To Know Symptoms Of Leukemia In Children And Their Diagnosis

Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

In the initial stages, the symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia typically resemble common flu symptoms and don't show any specific signs. Common manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia may include the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Bone pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale skin
• Bruises easily
• Frequent infections
• Frequently experiencing unusual bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums

Acute myeloid leukemia is a rapidly progressing condition. Patients may initially experience flu-like symptoms that persist; however, this condition progresses until patients exhibit more obvious and severe symptoms.

Read more: What Types Of Leukemia Are Often Experienced By Children?

Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

The treatment of acute myeloid leukemia is dependent on a variety of factors, including the disease subtype, age, and overall health. Before identifying the appropriate treatment, the doctor will confirm the diagnosis through a lumbar puncture examination, bone marrow test, and blood test.

• Remission induction therapy is a medical procedure aimed at eliminating leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow, although it typically does not eradicate all leukemia cells. Patients necessitate further therapy to prevent its recurrence.
• Consolidation therapy refers to the treatment given after achieving remission or during maintenance therapy, with the goal of eliminating any remaining leukemia cells.

The therapies applied in the preceding therapy are as follows:

• Chemotherapy, which involves the administration of medications to eliminate cancer cells,
• Targeted therapy. This therapy is given if the patient's cancer cells are compatible with this specific form of treatment. This therapy involves the use of medications that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Giving this medicine is expected to effectively eradicate cancer cells.
• Bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant enhances the regeneration of healthy stem cells. Before a bone marrow transplant, patients need to receive intensive chemotherapy or radiation therapy to eradicate the leukemia-producing bone marrow. Afterwards, they get an infusion of stem cells from a compatible donor.

Acute myeloid leukemia necessitates immediate treatment due to its severity. If you experience symptoms or abnormalities suggestive of leukemia, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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