Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a cancer that adversely affects blood cells in human bone marrow. AML is also called acute myeloid leukemia--the most common form of leukemia adults suffer from. Those over age 70 are in the most danger.

The two types of myeloid leukemia are: chronic and acute. AML usually develops very quickly, while chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients may not show symptoms for years.

AML--Blood Cells and Bone Marrow

The bone marrow in an AML patient makes "immature" blood cells that mature into:

• White blood cells--fight off infections and disease
• Red blood cells--carry oxygen and nutrients to body tissues
• Platelets--coagulate blood

Acute myeloid leukemia patients' white blood cells do not fully develop, creating immature blood cells called myeloid blasts (myeloblasts). Next, too many red blood cells and platelets are created, leaving little room for normal cells to produce. These extra, abnormal red blood cells and platelets are called leukemia cells.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia--Causes

Researchers have definitely linked benzene exposure to AML. Benzene is a toxic chemical usually used by industrial and commercial businesses. People would most likely be exposed to benzene exposure at work (if their employer uses the chemical).

Employers who knowingly have employees working with or around benzene are required by law to notify employees of the chemical's toxicity and limit exposure as much as possible. Because federal regulations are in place, people can sue for negligent behavior or practices. If you are suffering from ACL because of benzene exposure, contact a benzene lawyer to learn more about your rights.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia--Symptoms

As mentioned above, AML can develop quickly, showing symptoms that should be examined by a doctor immediately.

Here are some common acute myelogenous leukemia symptoms:

• Red blood cell deficiency (anemia)
• General fatigue
• Fever
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding
• Chronic infections
• Weight fluctuations

Incorrectly diagnosed, a person may be led to belive they have a cold of flu. This can be very dangerous, because AML could lead to serious illness or death without early diagnosis.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia--Diagnosis

A blood test is the first step toward detecting myelogenous leukemia. Discovering a high count of malignant white blood cells and a very low count of red blood cells leads to step two: a bone marrow aspiration or myeloid tissue biopsy. these procedures can determine if AML is causing blood cell loss. The cancer's stage can also be discovered.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia--Prognosis and Treatment

Induction chemotherapy and post-remission chemotherapy are the two most commonly used and most effective means of treating and/or eliminating AML. As with any disease, diagnosing myelogenous leukemia early on greatly increases recovery chances.

Induction chemotherapy tackles AML using the chemotherapy drug cytarabine (ara-C), usually with the drug daunorubicin. Induction chemotherapy alone leads to 50 to 75% of adult AML patients enjoying complete remission. A bone marrow exam determines how successful the procedure was.

Following induction chemotherapy, acute myelogenous leukemia patients may utilize post-remission chemotherapy. This treatment is administered to rid the body of cancer cells that were not killed by induction chemotherapy. If the cancer remains, a bone marrow transplant could be an effective option. The AML patient relapse rate is approzimately 70 to 80%.

New treatment options for AML patients are being studied and tested by researchers all over the world. Hopefully, scientists will find a cure as these studies are conducted.