Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

The cause of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has been strongly linked to some environmental factors, such as exposure to benzene.  AML is not an inherited or contagious disease.  It develops when there is a defect in the immature cells of bone marrow.  Acute myelogenous leukemia is also known as acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

Acute myelogenous leukemia can occur in all ages, but it is most common in older adults.  When a person has acute myelogenous leukemia his/her body does not produce enough healthy blood cells.  Bone marrow, when healthy, produces stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.  In a person affected by AML the bone marrow grows too many immature white blood cells, or blast cells, which inhibits the bone marrow from growing enough normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Symptoms
The symptoms for acute myelogenous leukemia can vary from patient to patient.  If the bone marrow grows too few red blood cells, which is called anemia, the patient may feel fatigued, have shortness of breath, and look pale.  If the bone marrow grows too few platelets, the patient may bleed easily, have swollen and bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, or cuts that bleed excessively. The patient may also get bruises easily, pinhead size spots under the skin, or cuts that heal slowly or not at all.  If the bone marrow grows too few normal white blood cells, the patient may be more susceptible to getting infections.  As a result the patient may have a sore throat, pain in his/her bones or joints, or experience a slight fever.  It is important to note that not all patients with AML experience noticeable symptoms. 

For more detailed information see the National Cancer Institute's statements on AML.