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Symptoms indicative of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia to Look Out For

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3 min read
Recognizing potential precursors of acute myeloid leukemia.
Recognizing potential precursors of acute myeloid leukemia.

Symptoms indicative of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, causing the production of abnormal myeloid cells[1]. These cells, instead of maturing and carrying out their normal functions, divide rapidly and do not die easily[2]. This rapid buildup of abnormal cells in the bone marrow and blood disrupts normal blood cell production, leading to a range of early warning signs and symptoms.

Common early warning signs of AML include fatigue and weakness, fever and night sweats, easy bruising or bleeding (such as gum bleeding or nosebleeds), frequent infections or skin infections, bone pain, and abdominal fullness due to spleen or liver enlargement[1][2]. These symptoms arise because AML causes low red blood cells (anemia), low platelets, and impaired immune white cells.

The timeline for symptom development is generally rapid, with AML progressing within weeks to a few months[2]. If untreated, it is often fatal within this short period. Patients may initially notice nonspecific symptoms like fatigue and fever, followed by bleeding or bruising and infections as blood counts fall.

Regarding detection before symptom onset, AML diagnosis is often made through blood tests showing abnormal cells and bone marrow aspiration[2]. However, AML rarely has a long asymptomatic phase; it typically presents after enough leukemic cells accumulate to disrupt normal function[2]. That said, in some cases, precursor conditions like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be identified before full-blown AML develops, providing a window for monitoring or early intervention. Routine screening for AML before symptoms is not generally practiced outside of high-risk groups.

Several factors increase a person's risk of developing AML[3]. These include genetic variations such as Down syndrome, trisomy 8, Fanconi anemia, ataxia-telangiectasia, Bloom syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1. Additionally, being male, having a close relative with AML, older age, smoking, previous exposure to chemotherapy treatment, radiation, tobacco smoke, and benzene exposure could also be risk factors for AML[3].

Workers in automobile, construction, agriculture, and janitorial industries may have a higher AML risk due to benzene exposure, as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as "carcinogenic to humans"[4]. Aplastic anemia and myelofibrosis are other blood disorders that can increase a person's risk of AML[5].

Given the rapid onset and progression of AML, it is crucial for a person to consult a primary care doctor if they experience persistent symptoms that are not typical for them. Early identification of AML can improve treatment outcomes, as symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and bone pain can be general and may be mistaken for other conditions, such as the flu[6]. However, it is essential to remember that there are currently no screening tests to detect AML early.

References:

[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia.html

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-myeloid-leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353296

[3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Risk Factors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/aml-treatment-pdq#_31

[4] International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2021). Benzene. Retrieved from https://www.iarc.who.int/agents/benzene/

[5] American Society of Hematology. (2021). Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Retrieved from https://www.hematology.org/conditions/leukemia/types/acute-myeloid-leukemia

[6] Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (2021). Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Retrieved from https://www.lls.org/leukemia/acute-myeloid-leukemia/understanding-aml/symptoms-diagnosis-staging-risk-grouping/symptoms

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