Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Symptoms and Risk Factors
Learn about the signs and risk factors of acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer. Early detection symptoms include flu-like signs, bone pain, bleeding, and infections. Key risk factors involve smoking, age, radiation exposure, and genetic disorders. Understanding these aspects can aid in timely diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Symptoms and Risk Factors
Leukemia classification depends on how quickly it progresses and which cells it affects. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer that rapidly impacts white blood cells (WBCs), vital for immune defense. Malignant growth causes these cells to malfunction, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Recognizing early signs can aid in prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.
Symptoms of AML
Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever and fatigue.
- Difficulty breathing
- Bone discomfort
- Bruising easily
- Red spots under the skin
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Swollen gums
- Increased infections
What causes AML?
While the precise cause of AML remains unknown, it involves changes in DNA that disrupt normal blood cell development. These genetic abnormalities lead to immature cells multiplying rapidly in the bone marrow, overwhelming healthy cells and impairing organ function.
Factors rising the risk include:
- Smoking - Tobacco contains benzene, linked to increased AML risk due to its cancer-promoting effects.
- Age - The median diagnosis age is 67; AML is uncommon in those under 45.
- Radiation exposure - High radiation doses or prior radiation therapy raise susceptibility.
- Genetic conditions - Disorders like Down syndrome and Fanconi anemia enhance risk.
