Recognizing the symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is not always easy. The first symptoms of AML can be very general: unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, fatigue, or fevers with no known cause. These very general symptoms can indicate a variety of illnesses, so having one or more of them does not necessarily mean AML is the cause.
Blood:
AML causes a shortage of healthy blood cells of all types, which affects the body in a few different ways. These include:
- Anemia. Anemia is a shortage of healthy red blood cells. Too few red blood cells causes fatigue and paleness of the skin, gums and fingernails.
- Shortage of healthy white blood cells. While blood counts taken from a patient with leukemia may show higher than normal numbers of white blood cells, many of these are abnormal, leukemic cells. Without adequate amounts of healthy and functioning white blood cells, frequent fevers and infections can occur.
Bones:
AML may cause pain in the bones or joints due to a build-up of leukemic cells.
Abdomen:
Swelling of the liver and spleen may be noticeable as a swelling in the abdominal (belly) area.
Lymphatic System:
If AML spreads to the lymphatic system, swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or above the collarbone can occur.
Central Nervous System:
If AML spreads to the brain and spinal cord, headaches, blurred vision, weakness, difficulty with balance and coordination of movement, nausea, and vomiting can occur.
Other Organs:
AML may spread to the skin, causing bumps or rashes, or to the gums causing swelling, pain and bleeding. AML can also spread to other organs such as the kidneys, testicles, or the eye, although this is rare.
How to Know for Sure:
These symptoms may indicate AML, or they can indicate another type of leukemia, or a different illness altogether. Only a doctor can give a definitive diagnosis of AML, so it's important to see your healthcare provider if you suspect something is wrong.
Source:
"How is Acute Myeloid Leukemia Found?" American Cancer Society. Accessed: 13 November 2008. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_3x_How_Is_Acute_Myeloid_Leukemia_Found.asp?sitearea=.
