Acute myeloid leukemia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2], Carlos A Lopez, M.D. [3], Shyam Patel [4]; Grammar Reviewer: Natalie Harpenau, B.S.[5]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Important components of the history of acute myeloid leukemia include assessment of pre-existing hematologic conditions, exposure to prior chemotherapy or radiation, occupational exposures, and congenital disorders. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, infections, and bleeding. These symptoms are a result of impaired normal blood cell production.

History and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

History[edit | edit source]

History about the following should be inquired while diagnosing acute myeloid leukemia:

• History of pre-existing hematological disorder (e.g. aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndrome)
• History of exposure to anti-cancer chemotherapy agents, especially alkylating agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, or platinum-containing 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, Li-Fraumeni syndrome)

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

In acute myeloid leukemia 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

References[edit | edit source]

Template:Hematology

Template:WikiDoc Sources