ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL)is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells.Acute means that the leukemia can grow quickly, and if not treated, could be fatal in a few months. AML is a cancer that starts in the cells that are supposed to mature into different types of blood cells.

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 and bleeding from the gums.

Once the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is established, induction chemotherapy is given with the goal of rapidly restoring normal bone marrow function.The main treatment for AML is chemotherapy. Other treatments for AML include growth factors, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplants or stem cell transplants. The treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia varies depending on your type of AML, your general health, and your age and level of fitness. 

Remission means that no leukaemic cells can be found in the blood or bone marrow and the bone marrow is working normally again. In people treated for acute leukaemia remission may last many years, and then they are considered cured