Symptoms of Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia
In AMML, cancerous cells grow uncontrollably and replace healthy blood cells. As a result, symptoms tend to be associated with the resulting thrombocytopenia, anemia, and increased frequency of infections. These include fatigue, fever, weight loss, weakness, easy bleeding and bruising, red skin patches, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Some people with this cancer also report more frequent infections since the body cannot produce enough white blood cells, an important part of the immune system. [3]
Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia Diagnosis
In general, a doctor may diagnose AMML with the help of the following procedures:
– A full blood count can help find out the exact composition of different forms of white blood cells. Based on this information, a doctor may determine whether cancerous cells are present.
– Bone marrow biopsy is the procedure in which the doctor will get a small sample of bone marrow in the hip area. This sample will be further analyzed in the lab for the compositions of blood cells.
– Chromosome and immunophenotyping analysis: These are specialized tests that can help determine the form of leukemia, identify proper treatment options, and learn more information about AMML. [4]
