Acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Conditions are generally called "acute" when they develop quickly and have an aggressive course. The signs and symptoms of AML vary but may include easy bruising; bone pain or tenderness; fatigue; fever; frequent nosebleeds; bleeding from the gums; shortness of breath; and/or weightloss. AML is one of the most common types of leukemia among adults and is rarely diagnosed in people under age 40. There are many potential causes of AML such as certain blood disorders, inherited syndromes, environmental exposures, and drug exposures; however, most people who develop AML have no identifiable risk factor. Treatment may include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant and/or other drug therapy.