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Causes & Risk Factors

Symptoms and risk factors of acute myeloid leukemia

Leukemia is classified on the basis of two factors: the speed at which it progresses and the type of cells it affects. Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive form of leukemia that spreads rapidly and affects the functioning of the White Blood Cells (WBCs). The WBCs, which are disease-fighting cells of the immune system, grow abnormally under the effect of this condition, and it can turn fatal if left unchecked.

Symptoms and risk factors of acute myeloid leukemia
Keeping track of the symptoms can facilitate an early diagnosis and timely treatment.

What are the symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia?
The condition often seems like the flu in the early stages as it causes similar symptoms like fever and fatigue. That said, it can also lead to other symptoms like:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Bone pain
  • Easy bruising
  • Small red spots under the skin
  • Excessive sweating
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Swollen gums
  • Frequent infections

What causes acute myeloid leukemia?
The causes of all types of cancer, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), remain unknown. That said, researchers do know that AML causes abnormalities in the DNA, which is the building block of cells and carries information about their functioning and behavior. The condition affects the DNA, interfering with the normal production of blood cells and causing the bone marrow to develop immature cells that divide rapidly. These underdeveloped cells soon outnumber the healthy cells in an organ, causing it to malfunction.
What triggers these changes in the DNA is not yet known, but certain risk factors have been identified. They include:

  • Cigarette smoking
    Cigarette smoking increases the risk of several diseases, including AML. Benzene is the culprit in this case as it promotes the development of cancerous cells over time.
  • Age
    AML is commonly diagnosed in older adults, and the median age of diagnosis is 67. That said, the disease is rarely seen in children and is uncommon among people below 45.
  • Exposure to radiation
    High-dose radiation exposure or a history of undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment increases an individual’s risk of AML.
  • Genetic disorders
    Certain genetic health disorders, like Down syndrome and Fanconi anemia, naturally increase one’s risk of developing AML.
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