What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
Acute Myeloid Leukemia, commonly referred to as AML, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It develops rapidly, causing an overproduction of immature white blood cells known as myeloblasts.
These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.
Side effects of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):
The symptoms of AML can vary from person to person but may include:
- Fatigue: AML can cause extreme tiredness and weakness due to decreased production of healthy blood cells.
- Easy bruising and bleeding: Patients may experience frequent bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums due to low platelet counts.
- Frequent infections: AML weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections that may be severe or difficult to treat.
- Shortness of breath: Reduced red blood cell counts can lead to anemia, resulting in breathlessness and fatigue.
- Bone pain: Aching or pain in the bones may occur as leukemia cells accumulate in the bone marrow.
- Unexplained weight loss: Rapid weight loss without diet or exercise changes can be a symptom of AML.
How is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) diagnosed?
Diagnosing AML typically involves several steps, including:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to check for signs of leukemia, such as swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged liver or spleen.
- Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) will be conducted to assess the levels of different types of blood cells. Abnormal counts may indicate leukemia.
- Bone marrow biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is extracted and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of leukemia cells and determine their type.
- Genetic testing: Molecular and cytogenetic tests may be performed to identify specific genetic mutations associated with AML, which can help guide treatment decisions.
Potential treatments of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):
Treatment for AML typically depends on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and genetic profile of the leukemia cells. Some common treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy: The mainstay of treatment for AML involves powerful drugs that target and destroy leukemia cells. Chemotherapy may be administered orally, intravenously, or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Stem cell transplantation: Also known as bone marrow transplantation, this procedure involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor. It can be particularly beneficial for patients with high-risk or relapsed AML.
- Targeted therapy: Certain medications specifically target genetic mutations or abnormalities present in leukemia cells, helping to inhibit their growth and proliferation.
- Clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials may offer access to innovative treatments and therapies that are not yet widely available. These studies aim to improve outcomes and develop new approaches for managing AML.
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