Acute myeloid leukemia history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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* History of any [[congenital]] disorders (e.g [[Down syndrome]], [[Bloom syndrome]]) | * History of any [[congenital]] disorders (e.g [[Down syndrome]], [[Bloom syndrome]]) | ||
==Symptoms== | |||
In AML symptoms are due to an increased number of malignant white blood cells displacing or otherwise interfering with [[haematopoiesis|production of normal blood cells]] in the [[bone marrow]]. A lack of normal white blood cell production makes the patient susceptible to [[infection]]s (while the leukemic cells themselves are derived from white blood cell precursors, they have no infection-fighting capacity).<ref name="symptoms">Hoffman, Ronald et al. (2005), pp. 1074–75.</ref> A lack of red blood cells ([[anemia]]) can cause fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. A lack of [[platelet]]s can lead to easy bruising or bleeding with minor trauma. | In AML symptoms are due to an increased number of malignant white blood cells displacing or otherwise interfering with [[haematopoiesis|production of normal blood cells]] in the [[bone marrow]]. A lack of normal white blood cell production makes the patient susceptible to [[infection]]s (while the leukemic cells themselves are derived from white blood cell precursors, they have no infection-fighting capacity).<ref name="symptoms">Hoffman, Ronald et al. (2005), pp. 1074–75.</ref> A lack of red blood cells ([[anemia]]) can cause fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. A lack of [[platelet]]s can lead to easy bruising or bleeding with minor trauma. | ||
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
History and Symptoms
History
History about the following should be inquired while diagnosing AML:
- History of pre-existing hematological disorder (e.g aplastic anemia, PNH, myelofibrosis)
- History of exposure to anti-cancer chemotherapy agents especially alkylating agents
- History of exposure to ionizing radiation
- History of occupational exposure to benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons
- History of any congenital disorders (e.g Down syndrome, Bloom syndrome)
Symptoms
In AML symptoms are due to an increased number of malignant white blood cells displacing or otherwise interfering with production of normal blood cells in the bone marrow. A lack of normal white blood cell production makes the patient susceptible to infections (while the leukemic cells themselves are derived from white blood cell precursors, they have no infection-fighting capacity).[1] A lack of red blood cells (anemia) can cause fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. A lack of platelets can lead to easy bruising or bleeding with minor trauma.
Patients usually present with the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath with exertion
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding gums
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Persistent or frequent infections
Sweet's syndrome, a paraneoplastic inflammation of the skin, can occur with AML.[1]
Rarely, the first sign of leukemia may be the development of a solid leukemic mass or tumor outside of the bone marrow, called a chloroma. Occasionally, a person may show no symptoms, and the leukemia may be discovered incidentally during a routine blood test.[2]
References