Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer that starts in bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside your bones. Bone marrow makes stem cells that turn into white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. AML can quickly spread to the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, brain, or spinal cord. Men who have AML may also develop cancer in the testicles.

Who is at risk for acute myeloid leukemia?

The American Cancer Society estimates that close to 20,000 Americans receive an AML diagnosis every year. While AML is one of the most common leukemias affecting adults, the disease is still fairly rare. It accounts for 1% of all cancer diagnoses.

In most cases, there is no known cause for AML. However, it is more common in men and people over 60, although children can also get the disease. Other AML risk factors include:

• smoking

• family history of AML

• long-term exposure to chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde

• previous chemotherapy treatments for cancer 

• radiation exposure

• certain blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and essential thrombocythemia

• genetic syndromes, including Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)

What is acute leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer that affects the blood or bone marrow. There are different types and subtypes of leukemia:

• Acute leukemia develops suddenly in abnormal (immature) white blood cells called leukemic blasts. These damaged cells don’t function properly. Instead, they multiply rapidly and quickly bring on symptoms.

• Chronic leukemia develops slowly in mature white blood cells. These cells function normally for a period of time. Eventually, the body produces either too few, or too many, cells. Chronic leukemias can be harder to detect because symptoms come on gradually and are easy to dismiss.

What causes acute myeloid leukemia?

AML occurs when something damages the genetic makeup (DNA) of myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are produced by stem cells inside bone marrow. Healthy myeloid cells develop into red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that aid in blood clotting. 

Damaged myeloid cells multiply rapidly, forming billions of cancerous cells called leukemic blasts. The fast-growing cancer cells keep your body from making enough healthy blood cells. No one knows what triggers the DNA mutations that cause healthy myeloid cells to become leukemia cells.

What are the subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia?

There are a number of different subtypes of AML. Factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, genetic mutations, and other characteristics of the cancer cells determine the subtype. 

Your doctor will order diagnostic tests for AML to determine the subtype. AML treatments and AML prognosis depend on the subtype.

What are other names for acute myeloid leukemia?

There are different names for AML. They all refer to the same disease. Other names for AML include:

• acute myelogenous leukemia

• acute myeloblastic leukemia

• acute granulocytic leukemia

• acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

From the community: “I was diagnosed with AML two years ago. I had two rounds of induction chemo, two consolidations and then had an SCT (stem cell transplant). I had GVHD (graft-versus-host disease) two months after the transplant, and then another one in a different organ. I am finally doing well and am in complete remission. It's a tough journey, and there is no guarantee that the outcome will be good. However, in my case this was my only chance for a cure and I took it.” - Inspire member

Sources

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Adults. American Cancer Society.

• Risk Factors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). American Cancer Society. August 2018.

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

• Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. National Cancer Institute. March 2020.

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.