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Early Signs Of AML Leukemia
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It’s called Myelogenous Leukemia because it affects the Myeloid cells, which are a type of white blood cell that normally matures into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, among other types.
Symptoms such as fever, bone pain, lethargy and fatigue may point to the onset of AML Leukemia.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia happens when a bone marrow cell’s DNA changes, which is called a “mutation.” The instructions for what a cell should do are written in its DNA. Usually, the cell’s DNA tells it how fast to grow and when to die. In Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, the bone marrow cells keep growing and dividing because of mutations.
Blood tests can sometimes show signs of Leukemia, but a bone marrow test is usually needed to be sure. During a bone marrow biopsy, a sample of your bone marrow is taken out with a needle. The sample is usually taken from the hipbone and taken to a lab where it is tested. When your doctor tells you that you have AML, you may need more tests to find out how advanced the cancer is and what kind of AML sub type you have. Continue reading to compare the early signs and onset of this debilitating disease, the symptoms and treatments available to sufferers.
It’s called Myelogenous Leukemia because it affects the Myeloid cells, which are a type of white blood cell that normally matures into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, among other types.
Symptoms such as fever, bone pain, lethargy and fatigue may point to the onset of AML Leukemia.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia happens when a bone marrow cell’s DNA changes, which is called a “mutation.” The instructions for what a cell should do are written in its DNA. Usually, the cell’s DNA tells it how fast to grow and when to die. In Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, the bone marrow cells keep growing and dividing because of mutations.
Blood tests can sometimes show signs of Leukemia, but a bone marrow test is usually needed to be sure. During a bone marrow biopsy, a sample of your bone marrow is taken out with a needle. The sample is usually taken from the hipbone and taken to a lab where it is tested. When your doctor tells you that you have AML, you may need more tests to find out how advanced the cancer is and what kind of AML sub type you have. Continue reading to compare the early signs and onset of this debilitating disease, the symptoms and treatments available to sufferers.
Certain Factors May Increase The Risk of Developing Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Age increases the probability of acute myelogenous leukemia. Acute Myelogenous Leukemia is more prevalent in persons over the age of 65. Men are more prone than women to acquire Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Other risk factors that may contribute to the onset of this illness can include:
Previous cancer treatment
• People who’ve had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may have a greater risk of developing AML.
Dangerous chemical exposure
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, is linked to a greater risk of AML.
Smoking
• AML is linked to cigarette smoke, which contains benzene and other known cancer-causing chemicals.
Other blood disorders
• People who’ve had another blood disorder, such as Myelodysplasia, Myelofibrosis, Polycythemia vera or Thrombocythemia, are at greater risk of developing AML.
Genetic disorders
• Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of AML.
The Early Signs of AML Could Be Ongoing Fatigue, Flu Like Symptoms and Frequent Infections
General signs and symptoms of the early stages of acute myelogenous leukemia may mimic those of the flu or other common diseases. It is imperative to monitor such symptoms as prolonged cases maybe the early signs of AML.
Moreover, it necessary to red flag ongoing symptoms such as frequent bouts of fatigue, as those diagnosed at an early stage, naturally have an increased chance of receiving treatment to combat the disease and a better chance of survival. Should you or a loved one portray these early warning signals, then immediate medical assistance is strongly advised.
Signs and symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemia include:
• Fever
• Bone pain
• Lethargy and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising
• Unusual bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Comprehensive Diagnostic Tests Are Required With Signs of AML
When you or someone you care about starts to show signs or symptoms of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, your doctor may suggest a wide range of diagnostic tests, such as:
• Blood tests
Most people with acute myelogenous leukemia have too many white blood cells and not enough red blood cells or platelets. But sometimes there aren’t enough white blood cells. A second sign of acute myelogenous leukemia is the presence of blast cells. These are immature cells that are usually found in the bone marrow but not in the blood.
• A test of bone marrow
A blood test can sometimes show signs of leukemia, but a test of the bone marrow is usually needed to be sure. During a bone marrow biopsy, a sample of your bone marrow is taken out with a needle. The sample is usually taken from the hipbone. The sample is taken to a lab where it will be tested.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
In some cases, leukemia cells may need to be checked for by taking out some of the fluid around your spinal cord. By putting a small needle into the spinal canal in your lower back, your doctor can get this fluid.
• Your cancer cells will be tested in a lab
Doctors test your leukemia cells in a lab to find out what kinds of gene mutations are present. This can help your doctor figure out what your prognosis is and how to treat you.
Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant May All Be Used When Treating AML
Treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia depends on several factors, including the sub type of the disease, your age, your overall health and your preferences.
In general, treatment falls into two phases:
• Remission induction therapy
The purpose of the first phase of treatment is to kill the leukemia cells in your blood and bone marrow. However, remission induction usually doesn’t wipe out all of the leukemia cells, so you need further treatment to prevent the disease from returning.
• Consolidation therapy
Also called post-remission therapy or maintenance therapy, this phase of treatment is aimed at destroying the remaining leukemia cells. It’s considered crucial to decreasing the risk of relapse.
