Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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General signs and symptoms of the early stages of acute myelogenous leukemia may mimic those of the flu or other common diseases. Signs and symptoms may vary based on the type of blood cell affected. 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

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with a doctor if you develop any signs or symptoms that seem unusual or that worry you. Acute myelogenous leukemia worsens quickly if not treated, so a prompt diagnosis is helpful.

References
  1. Appelbaum FR. Acute myeloid leukemia in adults. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:2215.
  2. Miller KB, et al. Clinical manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia. In: Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=aboutPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..X5001-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-443-06715-0&uniq=203948673. Accessed June 2, 2010.
  3. Rowe JM, et al. Therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. In: Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=aboutPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..X5001-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-443-06715-0&uniq=203948673. Accessed June 2, 2010.
  4. Adult acute myeloid leukemia treatment. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultAML/patient/allpages. Accessed June 3, 2010.
  5. Leukemia — acute myeloid — AML. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Leukemia+-+Acute+Myeloid+-+AML. Accessed June 3, 2010.
  6. Integrative medicine & complementary and alternative therapies as part of blood cancer care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1150734030.pdf. Accessed June 3, 2010.
DS00548 July 10, 2010

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