Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Symptoms, Prognosis, and Treatment Options

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is one of the most common types of adult leukemia, accounting for approximately 20% of all cases. Although the prognosis for AML has significantly improved in recent years due to advancements in treatment options, it remains a challenging and potentially life-threatening disease.
This article provides an overview of the symptoms, prognosis, and available treatments for AML. It is important to recognize that acute myeloid leukemia”or any form of myeloid leukemia”should not be overlooked.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): An Overview

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects both the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal myeloid cells”immature white blood cells that are normally responsible for fighting infections and supporting the immune system.

In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, these abnormal myeloid cells fail to mature properly, causing them to accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Over time, these cancerous cells can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, resulting in life-threatening complications. One of the primary causes of AML is genetic abnormalities that lead to mutations and uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid cells within the bone marrow.

In general, these abnormal myeloid cells fail to mature in Acute Myeloid Leukemia patients, leading them to accumulate in the bone marrow and interfering with normal blood cell creation. These cancerous cells can migrate to the circulation and other organs over time, resulting in life-threatening consequences. Genetic abnormalities that promote aberrant myeloid cell mutation and proliferation in the bone marrow is one of the primary acute myeloid leukemia causes.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Symptoms

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a blood and bone marrow malignancy. It is distinguished by the fast proliferation of aberrant white blood cells, which interfere with normal blood cell synthesis. Acute Myeloid Leukemia symptoms vary based on the stage of the disease and individual circumstances, but frequent ones include:

• Fatigue: Fatigue is defined as feeling particularly tired or weak after enough rest.
  
• Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss over a short period.

• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid proliferation of abnormal white blood cells, which interfere with the normal production of blood cells. Symptoms of AML vary depending on the disease stage and individual circumstances, but common ones include:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness, even after adequate rest.

• Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained loss of weight over a short period.

• Infections: Increased vulnerability to infections that are difficult to treat, due to a decreased number of healthy white blood cells.

• Easy Bruising and Bleeding: A deficiency of platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and frequent nosebleeds.

• Shortness of Breath: Anemia caused by AML can decrease the number of red blood cells, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.

• Pale Skin: Anemia can also cause the skin to appear paler than usual.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes may indicate that leukemia cells have spread to these areas.

• Bone and Joint Pain: AML can cause discomfort or pain in the bones and joints.

• Fullness in the Abdomen: An enlarged spleen or liver can cause abdominal pain or a sensation of fullness.

• Night Sweats: Episodes of heavy, unexplained, and recurring night sweats.Infections: Because AML lowers the amount of healthy white blood cells, people are more vulnerable to infections that are difficult to treat.
  
• Easy Bruising and Bleeding: Platelet deficiency can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.
  
• Dyspnea: Anemia produced by AML can decrease the number of red blood cells, causing dyspnea and weariness.
  
• Skin Paleness: Anaemia can cause the skin to seem paler than usual.
  
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes may indicate that leukemia cells have expanded to these locations.
  
• Pain in the Bones and Joints: AML can cause pain in the bones and joints.
  
• Feeling full: An enlarged spleen or liver can cause pain or a sense of fullness in the abdomen.
  
• Nocturnal Sweats: Drenching nocturnal sweats that are unexplained and recurring.

Uncover cutting-edge medical facilities in Istanbul for AML treatment. You can get in touch with our medical professionals in Istanbul today!

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Survival Rate

According to a study, the survival rate for children under 15 with AML is 67%, but for those with the APL subtype, it can surpass 80%. The outlook, however, varies with age. Only 30% of adults with AML survive five years after being diagnosed. It is critical to realize that AML primarily affects persons over the age of 60, who may have additional health conditions that impair their prognosis.

Get personalized guidance from our medical staff in Istanbul. You may book your consultation to learn more!

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Prognosis

The prognosis for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the person’s age, overall health, AML subtype, genetic abnormalities in leukemia cells, and how early the disease is detected and treated.

The prognosis for AML is frequently discussed in terms of survival rates. The survival rate is the percentage of persons with a given type and stage of cancer who remain alive after a certain period (typically five years) from the time of diagnosis. It’s vital to remember that these figures are only estimates and do not foretell an individual’s fate.

The overall 5-year survival rate for younger persons (usually under 60 years old) and those who can endure intense therapy is roughly 40% to 60%. This group has a better chance of obtaining remission and possibly a cure through chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, or stem cell transplantation.

The prognosis is often less favorable for older persons (primarily those over 60 years old) and those unable to sustain intense therapy. Treatment alternatives, on the other hand, continue to improve, and some elderly patients can achieve remission and more prolonged survival with less rigorous medications or clinical trials.

Gain valuable AML information from our knowledgeable medical staff in Istanbul. You can book your consultation now!

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

Here are some popular Acute Myeloid Leukemia treatment approaches:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of Acute Myeloid Leukemia treatment. It entails using powerful medications to kill leukemia cells while allowing healthy blood cells to proliferate. Individual characteristics may influence specific medicines and treatment programs.

Targeted Therapy

Some Acute Myeloid Leukemia patients have genetic alterations in their leukemia cells that can be targeted with specialized medications. These targeted therapies, which can be used with chemotherapy, try to prevent the effects of the altered genes.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) or Stem Cell Transplantation

Certain patients, particularly those at high risk of relapse or who have had a poor response to early treatment, may be candidates for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

This treatment entails replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, often a suitable sibling or an unrelated donor.

Supportive Care

Acute Myeloid Leukemia and its therapy can result in various side effects, including low blood cell counts, increased infection risk, and exhaustion. Supportive care, such as blood transfusions, antibiotics, and growth factor injections, aids in the management of these side effects and maintains overall health during therapy.

Stay informed about Acute Myeloid Leukemia with guidance from our skilled medical staff in Istanbul. You can book your consultation!

Liv Hospital For Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment In Turkey

Choose Liv Hospital for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment in Turkey and benefit from international healthcare expertise, innovative facilities, and a network of seven hospitals dedicated to shaping the future of health. Guided by its philosophy of Leading International Vision, Liv Hospital delivers exceptional medical care through advanced technology, experienced specialists, and a patient-centered approach focused on achieving the best possible outcomes.

You can contact Liv Hospital to learn more about AML treatment options and pricing details in Turkey and take an important step toward comprehensive, world-class cancer care.

* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .

For more information about our academic and training initiatives, visit Liv Hospital Academy

Frequently Asked Questions