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Symptoms
These may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. See a doctor if you have any of the following:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Paleness (a sign of anemia )
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding)
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen
- Swelling, pain, and bleeding of the gums
- Painless lumps in the neck, underarms, stomach, or groin
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Swelling of the liver; spleen will be looked for. The doctor will also look for swelling in lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck. You will likely be referred to an oncologist. This is a doctor who focuses on treating cancer.
Tests may include the following:
- Blood tests—to check for changes in the number or appearance of different types of blood cells
- Bone marrow aspiration—removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow to test for cancer cells
- Bone marrow biopsy —removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow and a small piece of bone to test for cancer cells
- Spinal tap —removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid to check for cancer cells
- Routine microscopic exam—examination of a sample of blood, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid
- Bone, blood marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid tests—to distinguish between types of leukemia
- Cytogenetic analysis—a test to look for certain changes of the chromosomes (genetic material) of the lymphocytes
- Immunophenotyping—examination of the proteins on cell surfaces and the antibodies produced by the body; to distinguish lymphoblastic from myeloid leukemia and determine types of therapy
- Chest x-ray —x-rays of the chest that may detect signs of lung infection or cancer in the chest
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
- Gallium scan and bone scan—injection of a radioactive chemical into the bloodstream to detect areas of cancer or infection
- Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine masses and organs inside the body
Once AML is identified, it can be classified as one of eight subtypes. These are based on the type of cell from which leukemia developed. Classification is important. It can help make a prognosis and design a treatment plan.