AML is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
Blood cells are made in the marrow—the spongy tissue inside your bones. All blood cells begin as stem cells and become red cells, white cells, and platelets in the marrow. Normally, those red cells, white cells, and platelets then enter the blood.
In a person with AML, this process is abnormal. Large numbers of cancerous, damaged cells (called “blasts”) are made, fill the bone marrow space, and get released into the bloodstream. Because they are damaged, these cells cannot do their job properly. They also outgrow the undamaged blood cells, preventing the body’s ability to form healthy blood cells. This can result in the below:
- Low numbers of normal white blood cells: This makes it hard to fight infection. People with AML are more likely to get infections.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count): Anemia makes it hard for our blood to carry oxygen to our tissues. People with anemia may be pale, may be tired a lot, and short of breath.
- Low platelets: This makes it harder for our blood to clot. People with low platelets have bleeding problems and can bruise very easily.
- Very high numbers of damaged cells in the blood: This can block blood flow inside organs like the heart and lungs, so they don’t function properly or fail.