Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Types, Signs, Symptoms & Stages

Quick facts about acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a form of acute leukaemia which develops when bone marrow produces immature blood cells which divide rapidly and do not mature
These immature myeloid cells are called myeloblasts, which normally develop into white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets
AML is the most common form of acute leukaemia in adults, primarily affecting people over the age of 65
Each year approximately 3100 people are diagnosed with AML in the UK.

Types of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

There are many different subtypes of AML which are defined based on genetic mutations that have caused the cancer.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) classification system classifies AML into subtypes using a number of factors including genetic abnormalities, myelodysplasia-related changes, past exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, myeloid sarcoma and myeloid proliferations in Down syndrome.

Signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

As signs and symptoms for AML can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive an AML diagnosis.

Symptoms may include:

Unexplained fevers

Tiredness

Night sweats

Aches and pain in the bones

Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

Pain in the chest, coughing and/or trouble breathing

Swollen, painless lymph nodes under the arms, neck or groin

Enlarged stomach due to swollen lymph nodes or spleen

Chronic infections

Anaemia due to lack of red blood cells

Increased bleeding and bruising

Stages of acute myeloid leukaemia

The traditional cancer staging system is not used to stage AML. Instead, the subtypes of AML can help doctors understand what your cancer looks like based on laboratory testing (including genetic testing) and the classification systems.

Frequently asked questions about acute myeloid leukaemia

People who have a first degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, diagnosed with leukaemia have an increased risk of developing AML but it commonly presents in people with no family history. Common inherited conditions that have been linked to AML include Fanconi anaemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Down syndrome.
The cause of AML is not fully known, however there are some factors which contribute to the risk of AML developing, including:
- Age – The risk for AML increases for people over 65 years
- Certain lifestyle-related factors – Such as drinking alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco, exposure to chemicals such as benzene or large levels of radiation, and previous cancer treatments with chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy
- Genetic disorders and family history – Having a family history of leukaemia (such as a mother, father or sibling) or inherited conditions such as Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Fanconi anaemia, can increase the risk for AML
- Other bone marrow disorders – Including myelodysplastic syndromes, polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis.
Most often, an underlying cause for AML is not found.
There are many different tests that are used to diagnose AML. This may include blood tests to check your full blood count, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serology to determine if leukaemia cells are present. A bone marrow biopsy or aspiration is usually conducted to check for leukaemia cells within your bone marrow.
AML and ALL are two forms of acute leukaemia which develop from different types of white blood cells. AML develops from myeloid cells while ALL develops from lymphocytes such as B-cells and T-cells.
There are a number of lifestyle-related factors you can consider to reduce your risk of developing AML, like:
- Quitting smoking – Cigarette smoking carries a significantly higher risk of developing AML
- Getting regular exercise – At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day
- Avoiding exposure to chemicals – Such as benzene or large levels of radiation
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet – Eat a fibre-rich diet from grain and legume sources, as well as enjoy a variety of fruit (2 serves) and vegetables (5 serves) per day, limit your intake of salt and saturated fats, and avoid all processed meat.