Ency. home > Disease > A > Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - adult

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - adult    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML); Acute granulocytic leukemia; Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL)

Definition:

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of blood-forming tissues characterized by the proliferation of immature white blood cells. There are 8 categories of AML, categorized as M0 to M7, based on which blood cell is abnormal.

Causes and Risks

AML may occur at any age, but it primarily occurs in adults and in children below 1 year old. This discussion focuses on AML in adults. In acute leukemia, the malignant cell loses its ability to mature and specialize (differentiate) its function. These cells multiply rapidly and replace the normal cells.

Bone marrow failure occurs as malignant cells replace normal bone marrow elements. The person becomes susceptible to bleeding and infection as the blood cells lose their ability to function and decrease in number.

Most cases seem to have no apparent cause. However, radiation, some toxins such as benzene, and some chemotherapy agents (drugs known as alkylating agents and a drug etoposide are most common) are thought to cause leukemia. Abnormalities in chromosomes may also play a role in the development of acute leukemia.

Risk factors include exposure to radiation and chemicals, immunosuppression following organ transplantation, and blood disorders such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and refractory anemia. The incidence is 2.5 out of 100,000 people.

Ency. home > Disease > A > Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - adult

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