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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Also called: Acute myelogenous leukemia, Acute myeloid leukaemia, Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

A fast-growing cancer of the bone marrow, most common in adults over 65. It needs treatment right away.

Typical ageOver 65
SpeedFast-growing

Overview

In AML, abnormal immature cells (myeloblasts) fill the bone marrow, so it can't make enough healthy blood cells. Symptoms come from low red cells (tiredness), low white cells (infections), and low platelets (bleeding).

Treatment usually starts within days of diagnosis. Options depend on age, health, and the leukemia's gene changes, and new targeted drugs have improved results.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Tiredness, weakness, and pale skin
  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Fevers and infections
  • Easy bruising, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds

Less common

  • Tiny red or purple dots on the skin
  • Bone pain
  • Swollen gums

Look up a symptom: Bleeding, red, or swollen gums · Bruising easily or bleeding for a long time · Fatigue · Feeling weak all over · Fever · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs · Pale skin · Tiny flat red or purple dots on the skin, or infections that keep coming back

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a seizure, sudden confusion, or fainting: call 911.
Get care todayFever during cancer treatment, or new or quickly worsening symptoms.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance; some are linked to the risk factors below or to inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Older age
  • Smoking
  • Past chemotherapy or radiation
  • Benzene exposure
  • Earlier blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Many people checked for these symptoms turn out not to have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

  • When symptoms started and whether they're getting worse
  • Family history of cancer
  • Past illnesses, treatments, and exposures

The exam

A physical exam, focused on where the symptoms are.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Complete blood count (CBC):
  • Bone marrow biopsy: Confirms AML and checks for gene changes that guide treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and your overall health. A cancer care team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

  • Write down symptoms and when they started
  • Bring someone with you to appointments
  • Ask for copies of test results
  • Ask about clinical trials: they can offer new treatments
  • Quit smoking: it helps at every stage

Chemotherapy, targeted drugs aimed at specific gene changes, and sometimes a stem cell transplant.

Prevention

To lower risk or find it early:

  • Don't smoke
  • Limit benzene exposure at work

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often working with surgeons and radiation doctors.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple notebook of symptoms, medicines, and questions for visits.
  • Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
  • Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
  • A cancer diagnosis can affect mood. Tell the care team if you or your family feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Many people keep working during or after treatment.
  • Ask about changes that help, like flexible hours. Workers may be covered by the ADA.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your cancer team. Some treatments can harm a baby.
  • Ask about saving eggs or sperm before treatment if you may want children later.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care, like fever during treatment.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the type and stage. Cancers found early are usually easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started
  • Past test results and scans

Questions to ask

  • What gene changes does my leukemia have?
  • Am I a candidate for a stem cell transplant?
  • What stage is it, and what are the treatment options?
  • Are there clinical trials for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.