ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

The main symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia are caused by the increased number of ‘blast’ cells in the blood which reduces the number of normal blood cells.

The main signs and symptoms are:

Anaemia (a lack of red blood cells) – which can cause people to look pale, feel very tired and sometimes become breathless at the slightest effort.

Repeated infections – such as a sore throat or sore mouth, can occur because of a lack of white blood cells.

Feeling generally unwell and run down – this may be caused by anaemia or repeated infections.

Aching joints and bones – the bones may be affected by leukaemia cells.

Unusual bleeding – caused by a reduction in the number of platelets. This may include bruising (bruises may appear without any apparent injury), bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, and heavy periods in women. As well as bruising more easily than normal, a particular type of bruising can happen. This consists of small blood-like spots called petechiae, usually seen on the legs or in the mouth.

Rarely, areas of the skin or gums may be affected by the leukaemia cells. The affected areas can look sore and take a long time to heal.

Occasionally, a person will have none of these symptoms and the leukaemia is discovered during a routine blood test.

The symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia may appear within a few weeks, and people often feel very ill quite quickly. Treatment needs to be given as quickly as possible.