Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often develops quickly. Symptoms may appear over a few days or weeks as leukemia cells crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. Many AML symptoms can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancer. Because of this, it is important to see a health care provider if you have symptoms that aren’t going away or are getting worse.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be acute myeloid leukemia. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Common Symptoms of AML
Acute myeloid leukemia symptoms vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Bone or joint pain
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Feeling tired or weak
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Loss of appetite
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Tiny red spots under the skin (petechiae)
- Unexplained weight loss
Some people also have swollen gums or feel fullness in their abdomen. This happens if leukemia cells collect in the spleen or liver.
When to Get Help
Many symptoms of AML are caused by low numbers of healthy blood cells. These symptoms do not always mean you have leukemia. However, you should see a health care provider if they develop suddenly or do not improve.
If your health care provider suspects AML, they may recommend blood tests and refer you to a hematologist-oncologist for additional evaluation.