Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a rare blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow cells, where blood cells are made. Instead of maturing properly, these cells produce immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. The term “acute” indicates that the disease progresses rapidly.

AML is also called acute myelogenous or nonlymphocytic leukemia. Myeloblasts can spread to various parts of the body, causing symptoms that worsen rapidly if left untreated. This includes the spleen, lymph nodes, liver, spinal cord, brain, skin, testicles, and gums.

What Causes Acute Myelogenous Leukemia?

It is difficult to determine the cause of AML. However, several factors may contribute to its development including genetic mutation.

Genetic mutationssuch as changes in the DNA of bone marrow cells, may lead to the development of AML.

Normally, DNA instructs cells to grow and die at a certain pace. But in AML, mutations make bone marrow cells keep growing and dividing.

This causes an imbalance in blood cell production. The bone marrow churns out immature cells that turn into abnormal white blood cells called myeloblasts. These cells don’t work as they should and can accumulate, crowding out healthy cells.

How does Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Develop?

AML develops in the bone marrow, where immature blood cells called myeloblasts fail to develop into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. As a result, these aberrant myeloblasts multiply rapidly, displacing good blood cells and compromising bone marrow function.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

The signs and symptoms of AML can vary from person to person. The earliest sign includes:

·      Looking pale

·      Fatigue and weakness

·      Frequent bruising

·      Unexplained weight loss

·      Swollen lymph nodes

As AML progresses, it may spread to other parts of the body. It can produce tumor-like groupings of leukemia cells known called myeloid sarcoma, chloroma, or granulocytic sarcoma. The spread of AML might cause symptoms like:

·      Bleeding gums

·      Swelling and pain

·      Rashes or lumps in the skin

·      Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, neck, above the collarbone, and underarm areas 

When cancer spreads to the brain and spinal cord, it can lead to symptoms like:

·      Weakness

·      Headaches

·      Seizures

·      Blurry vision

·      Clumsiness

·      Vomiting

·      facial numbness

Risk Factors for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Several factors may increase the risk of developing AML, including:

1.  Age: AML is more common in older adults, with the risk increasing with age.

2.  Gender: Men are slightly more likely than women to develop AML.

3.  Exposure to radiation and chemicals: People exposed to extremely high quantities of radiation, such as survivors of a nuclear reactor disaster, are more likely to acquire AML. Those who are exposed to chemicals like benzene are at higher risk. 

4.  Previous Cancer Treatment: Individuals who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers may have an increased risk of developing AML as a secondary cancer.

5.  Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions like Down syndrome or Fanconi anemia, may increase the risk of AML.

Diagnosis of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

The diagnosis of AML typically involves several steps, including:

1.  Physical examination to check for bruises, bleeding, and infection.

2.  Blood tests like CBC reveal theormal levels of WBC, RBC, and platelets.

3.  Imaging test to know the extent of the disease. 

4.  Bone marrow biopsy

5.  Genetic testing

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment

Treatment goals may include achieving remission, preventing relapse, and improving quality of life.

Treatment typically consists of two phases:

·      Remission induction therapy– is an initial treatment that seeks to remove leukemia cells from the blood and bone marrow. However, it often doesn’t eliminate all the cells. Thus, requiring further treatment to prevent the disease from returning.

·      Consolidation therapy– also known as post-remission therapy. It eliminates any remaining leukemia cells and reduces the chance of relapses.

Therapies may include:

1.  Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill leukemia cells or prevent them from multiplying. 

2.  Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy specifically targets certain genetic mutations present in leukemia cells.

3.  Stem Cell Transplantation: Stem cell transplantation, also known as a bone marrow transplant, involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a compatible donor.