Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It causes the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out normal cells, leading to problems like anemia, infections, and easy bleeding. This condition mainly impacts the body's ability to fight infections and carry oxygen. Symptoms often include fatigue, frequent infections, and bruising or bleeding easily. AML can develop quickly and requires prompt medical attention to manage the disease and its effects on overall health.
Clinical Definition
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a malignant clonal disorder characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid precursors called myeloblasts in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. It results from genetic mutations affecting hematopoietic stem cells, commonly involving chromosomal translocations such as t(8;21), inv(16), or mutations in genes like FLT3 and NPM1. The accumulation of these blasts impairs normal hematopoiesis, causing pancytopenia and increased risk of infection, bleeding, and anemia. AML is clinically significant due to its rapid progression and potential for fatal complications without treatment. Diagnosis and classification rely on morphology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular studies. It primarily affects adults but can occur at any age.