Acute Myeloid Leukemia Classification and Diagnosis
Unlike other forms of cancer, acute myeloid leukemia is not classified based on stages. Accordinng to the World Health Organization, the disease can be divided into the following subgroups:
– Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-linked changes
– Acute myeloid leukemia with recurrent genetic abnormalities
– Acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage
– Myeloid proliferation of Down syndrome
– Myeloid sarcoma
– Therapy-linked myeloid neoplasms
Some subtypes exist within each group as well. Their names would suggest the genetic mutation or chromosomal change triggering the condition. [7]
To diagnose, a physical exam is done to look for swollen spleen, lymph nodes, and liver. Some blood tests can also be implemented to look for signs of anemia and measure levels of white blood cells. For a definitive diagnosis, your doctor may need to do a biopsy or marrow test. This procedure involves taking a bone marrow sample from the hip bone area for further test in the lab. Another diagnostic test for acute myeloid leukemia is the lumbar puncture or spinal tap, which uses a small needle to withdraw fluids from the spine. The results can help identify the presence of cancer cells. [8]
