Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a life-threatening form of blood cancer that affects the production of specific white blood cells, according to the Merck Manuals. One type of AML is called acute monocytic leukemia, which is often called AMoL or M5 for short. M5 involves the overproduction of a certain type of white blood cell called the monocyte, or its immature form, the monoblast. This form of AML has many symptoms of general AML, according to the University of Virginia Medical Center, but also has some special features that are important in diagnosing this special form of leukemia.
Unusual Bleeding
Unusual bleeding is a symptom of different types of AML, according to the Mayo Clinic. In M5, according to the University of Virginia Medical Center, patients may experience a life-threatening condition termed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In this condition blood clots form in the vessels and other organs, causing multiple organ failure if not treated promptly. This condition further depletes the number of platelets in the bloodstream and can lead to rectal bleeding and brain hemorrhage.
Easy Bruising
Patients with M5 may notice that they bruise much more easily. This is a common symptom of AML, according to the UCSF Medical Center. Bruises are signs of bleeding underneath the skin. In patients without enough platelets, which are the cells that prevent excessive bleeding, bleeding is uncontrolled. Therefore, any minor bump will cause the vessels underneath the skin to bleed profusely. This leads to excessive bruising, even if the initial injury was minor.
Chloromas
Leukemia cells can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, as reported by the Merck Manuals. The cancerous cells can collect together to form a mass called a chloroma. Chloromas can usually be found in the gums, eyes, or just under the skin. In patients suffering from M5, chloromas usually spread to the skin and are termed as cutaneous leukemic infiltration, or leukemic cutis, according to Dr. Arnauld Verschuur in his article "Acute Monocytic Leukemia."
Dr. Verschuur also notes the chloromas that are located on the coverings of the brain or on the spinal cord can cause neurological symptoms. These symptoms include headache, vomiting, paralysis of nerves in the face and throat, and vomiting. There is a 6 to 16 percent chance that typical AML patients will suffer from these neurological conditions, and patients with M5 have an even higher risk of nerve disorders.
Increased Infection Rate
M5 is characterized by the excessive production of a specific set of white blood cells: monocytes and monoblasts. Unfortunately, the cells that are overproduced by M5 do not fight off infection effectively, especially the immature monoblasts. The lack of other white blood cells, such as neutrophils, prevents the patient's immune system from overcoming many common bacterial and viral infections, according to Dr. Verschuur.
