Acute Myelocytic Leukemia

What is Acute Myelocytic Leukemia?

Acute myelocytic leukemia is a type of cancer that is primarily characterized by the replacement of good bone marrow with cells that are abnormal. If this type of leukemia is not treated it will end in death, usually due to bleeding or some type of infection. The cure rates are better than ever before; however, the percentages of death associated with this particular type of leukemia are quite high.

In children, acute myelocytic leukemia actually accounts for about 20% of the leukemia diagnoses. As children get older into adolescence, this type of leukemia accounts for more than 50% of the diagnosed cases of leukemia. The survival rate of acute meylocytic cancer is about between 30% and 50% for most children.

Causes of Acute Myelocytic Leukemia

Unfortunately, most scientists are not totally sure what causes acute myelocytic leukemia; however, there do seem to be several risks that are associated with the disease. Exposure to certain chemicals and some viruses seem to bring on the disease in some children. Genetics are also thought to have something to do with the disease as well, although doctors do not have substantial proof that shows a direct link to a gene causing acute myelocytic leukemia.

Acute Myelocytic Leukemia Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms that are associated with acute myelocytic leukemia. Excessive sweating and being more prone to infections are some of the earliest signs that may point to this disease. Other symptoms of acute myelocytic leukemia include paleness, fatigue, easy bruising, weakness, and bleeding gums. If the disease progresses and infects the brain, then other symptoms like headaches, irritability, and vomiting may also occur. Since this disease affects the bone marrow, joint pain is often a symptom of the problem as well.

Acute Myelocytic Leukemia Treatments

While the survival rates of acute myelocytic leukemia are only about 30-50%, there are a variety of treatments available that can help. Chemotherapy is one of the most popular treatments used to treat this specific type of leukemia. Radiation is also used in some cases, and it may also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy as well. Bone marrow and blood transplants may also be used in extreme cases. Since so many people who have acute myelocytic leukemia have problems with getting frequent infections, they may also be treated consistently with antibiotics to help stave off infections that can cause further physical problems that could weaken their immune system.

While acute myelocytic leukemia is not the most common type of leukemia, there definitely are a variety of treatments available that can help. Without the right treatment this cancer will definitely be fatal; however, modern technology has provided new treatments that greatly improve the rate of survival for those who are affected by this type of leukemia.

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