Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Symptoms

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Your provider will offer referrals or treatment plans based on your specific condition or diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Symptoms of AML can be different in each person. The most common symptoms include:

  • Bleeding that's hard to stop

  • Easy bruising

  • Fever

  • Frequent infections or infections that keep coming back

  • Feeling weak

  • Feeling very tired (fatigue)

  • Pale skin

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain

  • Dizziness

  • Headaches

  • Blurred vision

  • Aches in back, bones, and joints

  • Swollen or bleeding gums

  • Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unplanned weight loss

  • Rashes of tiny flat red or purple spots under the skin (caused by bleeding)

  • Sores or wounds that don't heal

  • Night sweats

  • Women might have heavy periods, or periods that last longer than normal

When to see your healthcare provider

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other, more common health problems. In fact, most of them are more likely to be caused by something else. Still, it's important to see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. Only a healthcare provider can tell if you have AML, another type of cancer, or some other medical problem that needs to be treated.