Leukemia acute myelogenous disease – symptoms, causes, diagnosis & stem cell therapy

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood. It starts in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. AML happens when white blood cells grow out of control, crowding out the healthy cells. The cause of AML isn’t fully known, but things like radiation, certain chemicals, and genetic conditions can make it more likely. People with AML may feel very tired, have a fever, get sick often, bruise easily, and bleed a lot. Doctors find AML with tests like looking at the bone marrow, blood tests, and examining cancer cells closely. Treatments for AML include medicines, targeted drugs, and restoring bone marrow. How well someone does with AML can depend on their age, health, and how the treatment works for them.

Key Takeaways

• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) affects the white blood cells and bone marrow.
• Risk factors for AML include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and genetic disorders.
• Common symptoms of AML include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bleeding.
• Diagnosis of AML involves a bone marrow exam, blood tests, and laboratory testing of cancer cells.
• Treatment options for AML include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplant.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of AML

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) shows many symptoms. It’s crucial to find and treat it early. AML often causes:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak all the time, even after resting.
• Fever: Having many episodes of fever. This is often followed by chills and sweating.
• Frequent infections: AML weakens the immune system. This makes one more likely to get infections like in the respiratory, urinary tract, and skin areas.
• Easy bruising: Getting bruises or purple patches on your skin easily, mainly due to low platelet counts.
• Bleeding: AML can lead to unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or cuts that bleed a lot.
• Bone pain: Feeling a lot of pain in the bones, mostly in hips, back, or ribs.
• Shortness of breath: Having trouble breathing, especially when you move a lot. This might be due to anemia or lung swelling.

Doctors use many tests to diagnose AML accurately. These include:

1. Bone marrow exam: A small piece of bone marrow and tissue is taken from the pelvis or sternum. This test is done with local anesthesia. It checks for any unusual cells in the marrow.
2. Blood tests: Testing the blood for certain issues, like high white blood cell counts or blast cells, can show whether you have AML.
3. Laboratory testing: More specific lab tests can be done to look closely at the leukemia cells. This can tell doctors more about their mutations and help in choosing the right treatment.

Knowing the signs of AML and seeing a doctor early can make a big difference. It can lead to early diagnosis and better management of the illness.

Treatment Options for AML

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) treatment is personalized for each patient’s needs. It includes remission induction therapy and consolidation therapy. These therapies aim to kill cancer cells and maintain remission.

Remission induction therapy uses chemotherapy to remove bad white blood cells. This process, chemotherapy’s main part, targets and destroys cancer cells. It’s successful when it removes all leukemia cells from the bone marrow.

After reaching remission, consolidation therapy is used to destroy hidden cancer cells. This prevents the disease from coming back. Like before, chemotherapy is often the main treatment used.

Targeted therapy also helps fight AML by attacking unique cell features. This treatment spares healthy cells. It’s based on the leukemia’s specific genetic or protein markers.

Sometimes, a bone marrow transplant can be an option, particularly for some patients. Healthy stem cells from a donor help the body fight against AML. This treatment aims for a long-remission or even a cure.

Joining clinical trials might be beneficial for patients wanting to try new treatments. These trials test the safety and effectiveness of new therapies. They offer access to the latest in AML care for eligible patients.

Advancements in AML Treatment

AML treatment is constantly improving due to research. Doctors and scientists strive to enhance survival rates. They rely on clinical trials to find new and better treatment options.

Targeted therapies have changed the AML treatment landscape. By focusing on unique cell features, they are more effective with fewer side effects. Ongoing research in this area aims to provide better and personalized care.

Patients should work closely with their doctors to choose the best treatment. Factors like age, health, and the treatments’ risks and benefits are crucial. This helps create a tailored, effective plan for each individual.

The image above shows the different AML treatment options, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplant, and clinical trials.

Conclusion

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a serious disease that needs quick action. Its exact cause is still a mystery. But knowing its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and treated will help patients and doctors make the best choices.

The outlook for AML changes based on many things. This includes the AML type, your age, health, and how well you respond to treatment. Luckily, treatment advances have lifted hope for many. Research and trials are ongoing to find even better ways to treat AML.

If you notice tiredness, fever, getting sick often, unusual bruising, or bone pain, see a doctor. Working with healthcare experts is key. They can provide the necessary care and support to fight against AML.