MayoClinic.com states that acute myeloid leukemia, also known as AML, is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. AML affects a group of white blood cells that normally forms various types of mature blood cells, like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Acute myeloid leukemia is seen in older people and is not common before the age of 40. According to The American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of getting AML for an average man is about 1 in 250; for the average woman the risk is about 1 in 300.
Frequent Bleeding
According to MayoClinic.com, patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia may experience low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that are produced in bone marrow and prevent bleeding. Low platelet numbers manifest as easy bleeding or bruising, frequent nose bleeds, bleeding of the gums and formation of tiny red spots under the skin, also known as petechaie.
Increasesd Infections
According to Drugs.com, infections are often associated with AML. White blood cells are mainly responsible for fighting infections, but the lymphoblast cells that replace these normal white blood cells are incapable of fighting infections, because they are immature white blood cells. These changes cause suppression of the immune system of the patient and result in acquiring frequent infections that last longer than normal.
Weakness and Fatigue
According to MayoClinic.com, acute myeloid leukemia often results in feeling of extreme weakness and fatigue that does not go away, because AML causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. This decreases the amount of oxygen available for the body’s normal metabolic needs, including energy production in the muscles.
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
According to Drugs.com, acute myeloid leukemia may cause abdominal discomfort due to the enlargement of spleen, which is a lymphoid organ that acts as secondary storage for blood cells as a part of the immune system. Patients may experience abdominal pain and bloating especially upon pressing the abdomen.
