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Medical glossary

AML: acute myeloid leukaemia

AML is a fast-developing leukaemia arising from immature (blast) myeloid blood cells. It is more common in adults.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A blood smear crowded with many purple myeloblasts in acute myeloid leukaemia
Figure 1.Blood smear in AML: many myeloblasts

01Short answer

In AML, blasts fill the bone marrow and block normal blood cell production, leading to anaemia, infections and bleeding. It is diagnosed with a bone marrow test, immunophenotyping and genetic tests; genetic changes (for example FLT3, NPM1 or IDH) define the risk group and treatment. Treatment includes induction, consolidation and sometimes targeted medicines and a transplant. APL is a special type of AML.

02Simple explanation

The myeloid line.

Acute means fast.

Genetics matters.

Treatment in stages.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: AML is a cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Key tests

Bone marrow, immunophenotype and genetics.

A tree
Figure 2.A tree — AML: acute myeloid leukaemia

Treatment

Intensive or gentler schedules and targeted medicines.

A path
Figure 3.A path — AML: acute myeloid leukaemia

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Key testsBone marrow, immunophenotype and genetics.
TreatmentIntensive or gentler schedules and targeted medicines.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Myeloid
Relating to the granulocyte, red cell and platelet line.
Immunophenotype
Markers on the cell surface.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Is AML inherited?

Mostly not; rare inherited forms exist.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on the plan; your doctor will explain.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is AML inherited?

  2. How long does treatment take?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute myeloid leukemia
  2. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: febrile neutropenia
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: platelet
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: transfusion
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fluorescence in situ hybridization
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: peripherally inserted central catheter
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: stem cell transplant
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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