Acute myeloid leukaemia

Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

Medical help

Causes of acute myeloid leukaemia

Causes

Tests and next steps for acute myeloid leukaemia

Diagnosis

Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia

Medical treatments

Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia include feeling very tired, bleeding or bruising easily, looking more pale than usual and getting ill a lot.

If you have symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia, it's important to get them checked by a GP.

You may be more likely to get acute myeloid leukaemia if you're over 60, you have certain conditions, or you've had chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Tests to check for acute myeloid leukaemia include blood tests and taking a sample from your bone marrow to test.

Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia may include chemotherapy, targeted medicines, radiotherapy or a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Main symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions.

They usually appear quite quickly over a few weeks.

The main symptoms include:

• feeling very tired or weak
• looking more pale than usual – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the inside of the eyelids
• shortness of breath
• bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
• getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
• a high temperature
• pain in the bones or joints
• a swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full
• swollen glands – usually in the neck, armpits and the top of your inner thigh (groin)

Acute myeloid leukaemia can be diagnosed at any age, but it is more common in older people.

When and where to get medical help

If you have symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia, it's important to get them checked by a GP.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you have symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Who is more likely to get acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is rare, but anyone can get it.

It's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if:

• you're aged 60 or older – your risk of getting it increases as you age
• you have a genetic condition such as Down's syndrome
• you have another kind of blood disorder such as chronic myeloid leukaemia
• you have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
• you've had chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the past, especially when you were a child
• you've been regularly exposed to high levels of a chemical called benzene – this is more likely in some industries, such as oil refineries
• you smoke

Main tests for acute myeloid leukaemia

If the GP refers you to a specialist, you'll need some tests to check for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Tests may include:

• blood tests
• taking a small sample from the bone marrow using a needle (biopsy)

If you have a bone marrow biopsy, you'll usually have a local anaesthetic, and you may be given medicine to help you relax (sedation).

Main treatments for acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is often treatable.

Treatment usually needs to start quickly.

The treatment you have will depend on the type of acute myeloid leukaemia you have, your age and your general health.

There are two main types:

• treatment which aims to cure your leukaemia (intensive treatment) – this is usually done in hospital
• treatment which aims to control your leukaemia for as long as possible (non-intensive treatment) – this is usually done at home and has fewer side effects

Both types of treatment involve chemotherapy and sometimes targeted medicines. Intensive treatment may also include radiotherapy and a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

You'll also be offered treatments to prevent and manage symptoms (called supportive treatments).

During treatment, the specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan
• help manage any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.