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Facts on Acute Myeloid Leukemia

acute myeloid leukemia

There are several types of leukemia and the acute myeloid leukemia or AML is considered the fast-growing type. Inside the bone marrow, blasts or unformed cells are created. The underdeveloped white blood cells or blasts can’t fight infection and often leads to abnormal platelets and red blood cells. These abnormal cells grow quickly and so the cancer can easily spread.

Common Symptoms

The acute myeloid leukemia is very common these days especially among older adults. Around 10% of the total AML patients are children while the remaining percentage is older adults with average age of 65 years and higher. This condition is also called by other names such as non-lymphocytic leukemia, acute granulocytic, acute myeloid and myeloblastic leukemia.

AML or acute myeloid leukemia symptoms are due to the low levels of health cells in the body. With the presence of leukemia cells, the symptoms will start to show. Since the leukemia is acute, the symptoms are quite severe. Since the white blood cells are abnormal, frequent infections may occur. If you have anemia, there is a low number of red blood cells and this leads to paleness, shortness of breath, and weakness. Easy bleeding is common since the platelets are also affected. You will also notice red spots or bruising when you have acute myeloid leukemia. Patients experiencing joint or bone pains can be an indication that the cancer cells have spread.

Diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In order to make accurate diagnosis, samples of the bone marrow are taken and evaluated. The appropriate treatment is determined based on the leukemia cells that are present in the marrow. The medical professional will examine the presence of healthy cells, the extent of the leukemia cells, cytogenetics, and genetic abnormalities.

Chest x-rays can be performed, abdomen ultrasound, and other tests can be performed. After the tests, the doctor can now give an accurate diagnosis.

Various Options for AML

Adequate treatment is necessary since acute myeloid leukemia can spread easily. Risk factors are considered by doctors such as the age of the patient. Older individuals have weaker immune systems and because of this, the right treatment will be based on their body’s ability to accept therapies or drugs.

Aside from chemotherapy, cord blood or bone marrow transplant can also be conducted, as well as ATRA or all-trans retinoic acid, and newer treatment options. Clinical trials are very popular today and if you want to take your chances, you can take part in these trials. Who knows, perhaps the treatments will work for you.

The acute myeloid leukemia patient has the right to make the final decision. Most patients have second thoughts in undergoing treatments because of the high cost. Relapse of the leukemia can also occur, so you must work closely with your doctor.

Acute myeloid leukemia is a serious condition and you must act on it immediately if you want to save your life. Adequate planning with an experienced doctor is vital for survival. There are many cases of cancer survivors and you can be one of them. It is possible to cure acute myeloid leukemia but you should be willing to work things out with a medical professional.