What characterizes AML?
AML is characterized by the bone marrow making immature, abnormal white blood cells known as myeloblasts or myeloid blasts. These cells do not mature into healthy blood cells. Instead, they develop into leukemia cells and begin to crowd out healthy white and red blood cells and platelets in the blood and bone marrow. As leukemia cells become more numerous, the production of normal blood cells is impaired. The decreased number of red blood cells leads to anemia; the decreased white cell production results in an ability to fight infection; and the decreased platelet production causes excessive bleeding. Symptoms include fever; fatigue or weakness; easy bruising or bleeding; and weight or appetite loss. These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than leukemia – that’s why seeing your physician for examination and diagnosis is important. How does the pathologist make a diagnosis? Your primary care physician conducts a physical exam and medical history. Depending on your symptoms, you
