Acute myeloid leukemia

Definitions

Overview

Acute myeloid leukemia, also called acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It affects a group of white blood cells called myeloid cells. These cells usually become mature red cells, white cells and platelets.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include fever, bone pain, feeling very tired and having pale skin. Others may include frequent infections, easy bruising, and frequent nose or gum bleeds.

Treatments

Treatments include chemotherapy and targeted medicines that kill cancer cells. Bone marrow transplants, also called stem cell transplants, may be used in some cases.