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Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - adult

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Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - adult

Definition:

Acute myelogenous leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow. It is characterized by the growth of immature white blood cells. There are 8 categories of AML, categorized as M0 to M7, based on which blood cells are abnormal.

Alternative Names:
AML; Acute myeloid leukemia (AML); Acute granulocytic leukemia; Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL); Leukemia - acute myeloid (AML); Leukemia - acute granulocytic; Leukemia - nonlymphocyctic (ANLL)

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) may occur at any age, but it primarily affects adults and children younger than one year old. This discussion focuses on AML in adults. In this condition, certain blood cells of the immune system, which grow in the bone marrow, lose their ability to mature and specialize (differentiate). These cells multiply rapidly and replace normal blood cells.

Bone marrow failure occurs as malignant cells replace normal bone marrow. Patients with AML are susceptible to bleeding and infection as the normal blood cells lose their ability to fight microorganisms and decrease in number.

Most cases have no apparent cause. However, radiation, some toxins such as benzene, and some chemotherapy drugs (including etoposide and drugs known as alkylating agents) are thought to cause some kinds of leukemia, including AML. Genetic abnormalities may also play a role in the development of this condition.

Risk factors include the following:

• exposure to radiation and chemicals
• immunosuppression following organ transplantation
• blood disorders such as:
  • Myeloproliferative diseases such as polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia
  • Myelodysplasia (refractory anemia)

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