The early signs of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are nonspecific, like fever and fatigue. As such, a person may mistake them for the flu or other common illnesses. But unlike the flu, they gradually worsen and persist as the condition progresses.
AML is a type of cancer that affects the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. It causes the bone marrow to produce abnormal myeloid cells, which are responsible for producing blood cells, such as platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells called myeloblasts.
In AML, these cells divide very rapidly, do not mature, cannot carry out their normal functions, and do not die easily. They fill the bone marrow, crowding out the healthy blood-making cells. The shortage of normal blood cells and the buildup of cancerous cells result in the signs and symptoms of AML.
In this article, we explore the potential early signs of AML and the nature and timeline of these signs and symptoms.
The early signs and symptoms of AML are vague, nonspecific, and resemble the flu or other common illnesses. But unlike flu symptoms, leukemia symptoms do not subside, develop over a few weeks, and may become worse over time. Early AML symptoms can include:
- losing weight without trying
- fever and chills
- feeling tired
- night sweats
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- abdominal discomfort or feeling of fullness in the tummy
- shortness of breath
- frequent infections
- unusual or frequent bleeding
- bruising easily
- bone pain and joint pain
- swollen lymph nodes
- pale, poorly looking complexion
Without treatment, these symptoms usually
Health experts describe AML as an acute type of leukemia. This term means that it is aggressive and has a rapid onset and progression. A person may not show any symptoms during its early stage but will begin to experience symptoms as the condition advances.
Typically, symptoms of AML may appear
According to the American Cancer Society, there are
AML symptoms usually develop rapidly, which may allow a person to detect them early. As such, this makes promptly reporting possible signs and symptoms the best way to identify AML as soon as possible.
However, a
The
Aplastic anemia and myelofibrosis are other blood disorders that can increase a person’s risk of AML.
- Down syndrome
- trisomy 8
- Fanconi anemia
- ataxia-telangiectasia
- Bloom syndrome
- neurofibromatosis type 1
- being male
- having a close relative with AML
- older age
- smoking
- previous exposure to chemotherapy treatment
Exposure to the following
- radiation
- tobacco smoke
- benzene
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- automobile workers
- construction workers
- agriculture workers
- janitorial workers
AML shares signs and symptoms with other common diseases, and most people with these symptoms do not have leukemia.
However, it is important for a person to be mindful of symptoms and consult a primary care doctor if they feel it is necessary. For example, if a person experiences a symptom that is not typical for them, persists, or continues over an extended period of time, it may be advisable to contact a doctor.
The earlier a doctor is able to identify AML, the easier it is to treat and the more responsive it is to treatment.
AML is an aggressive form of leukemia that can cause a range of symptoms early in the disease process.
However, these symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and bone and joint pain, are general, and a person could mistake them for another condition, such as the flu.
There are currently no screening tests to detect AML early. But it is vital for a person to reach out to a primary care doctor if they are experiencing persistent symptoms, which may indicate the presence of the disease.