Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia, also known as ANLL or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a aggressive form of cancer characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal myeloid cells in the bone marrow. Myeloid cells are responsible for producing red blood cells, platelets, and certain types of white blood cells.
In ANLL, the abnormal myeloid cells fail to develop properly and accumulate in the bone marrow, disrupting the normal production of healthy blood cells. This leads to a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells, causing anemia, and a decrease in platelet count, leading to increased bleeding and bruising. Moreover, the deficient number of healthy white blood cells impairs the immune system's ability to fight infections.
The term "acute" refers to the rapid onset of symptoms, distinguishing it from chronic leukemia, which often progresses more slowly. ANLL is further categorized as "nonlymphocytic" due to the absence of lymphoid cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps to regulate the immune response. It primarily affects adults, but it can also occur in children.
The exact causes of ANLL are not well understood, but certain risk factors have been identified, including exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, previous treatments for cancer, and specific genetic mutations. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of this aggressive blood cancer. Treatment options typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy, and clinical trials.
