Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia?

Because acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) makes abnormal cells that crowd out normal healthy cells, many of its symptoms are a result of the low number of healthy blood cells in the body. Acute myelogenous leukemia symptoms to look for include:

• Frequent Infections and Fever - The job of white blood cells is to ward off infections and protect our bodies from foreign germs and bacteria. Because AML reduces the number of healthy white blood cells, the body is not as capable of defending against foreign germs and bacteria. Therefore, patients with AML may have an increased rate of infections and fevers.
• Anemia - Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The low level of healthy blood cells caused by AML may lead to feeling tired and/or weak, having shortness of breath and looking pale.
• Easy Bleeding or Bruising - Platelets control bleeding. Having low levels in the blood can lead to easy bleeding or bruising. This can result in the slow healing of cuts, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts and bruises with no clear cause. It can also lead to petechiae, tiny red spots under the skin.
• Joint and Bone Pain - The increased number of leukemia cells can cause pain in bones, joints or both.

If you experience any of these potential symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemia, you should see a healthcare provider. Only a qualified healthcare provider can help determine if your symptoms are the result of AML or another condition.

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