What is acute myeloblastic leukemia?
Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer, where too many white blood cells are found in the bone marrow.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of AML include:
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
- easy bleeding or bruising
- fever
- pain in the abdomen
- pain in the bones or joints
Diagnosis
To diagnose AML, your child’s doctor will do a complete physical examination and medical history. He or she may also order one or more of the following tests:
- complete blood count (CBC) or other blood tests
- bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- spinal tap/lumbar puncture
Treatment
Treatment for AML depends on what type of AML your child has, age and overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy is a drug treatment to stop cancer cells from growing. Sometimes is it used alone, and sometimes it is used with radiation therapy, which high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplant to replace diseased bone marrow with bone marrow from a healthy donor.
- Blood transfusions to replace or supplement your child’s red blood cells and platelets.
Learn more about Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant services at Boston Children’s Health Physicians.
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