Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. It is characterized by the rapid growth and accumulation of abnormal myeloid cells, which are immature white blood cells that normally develop into various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
In AML, these abnormal cells start to outnumber the healthy blood cells, leading to impaired production of normal blood cells. This can result in anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. AML is considered a rapidly progressing cancer, as the abnormal cells multiply quickly and interfere with normal blood cell production.
The exact causes of AML are still unclear, but certain risk factors have been associated with the disease, such as exposure to high levels of radiation or cancer-causing chemicals, certain genetic disorders, and previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments for other types of cancer.
The symptoms of AML may vary, but common signs include fatigue, shortness of breath, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone and joint pain. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a bone marrow biopsy, where a sample of bone marrow is examined under a microscope.
Treatment for AML depends on various factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and specific subtype of the disease. Standard treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Prognosis varies, but advances in treatment have improved survival rates, especially in younger individuals.
