Read article Acute myeloid leukaemia symptoms
This page is about the possible symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). There is information below about
Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia
Many symptoms are vague and non specific. You may feel as though you have flu. Possible symptoms can include
- General weakness
- Feeling tired (fatigue)
- A high temperature (fever)
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Blood in your urine or stools
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Breathlessness
- Swollen lymph glands – this is rare
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the tummy (abdomen) from a swollen liver or spleen
These symptoms are caused by too many abnormal white blood cells and not enough normal white cells, red blood cells and platelets.
What to do if you have these symptoms
If you have any of these AML symptoms, you must get checked by your GP. But remember, the symptoms of AML are often vague and can all be caused by other medical conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have leukaemia.
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the About AML section.
Many symptoms are vague and non specific. You may feel as if you have flu. Possible symptoms can include
- General weakness
- Feeling tired (fatigue)
- A high temperature (fever)
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Blood in your urine or stools
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Breathlessness
- Swollen lymph glands – this is rare
- A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the tummy (abdomen) from a swollen liver or spleen
These symptoms are caused by too many abnormal white blood cells and not enough normal white cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Feeling tired (fatigue)
AML can cause low levels of red blood cells. This is known as anaemia. If you are anaemic, you may feel more tired than usual. You may get breathless when you normally wouldn’t – for example, after climbing a short flight of stairs.
Infections
You may get infections because you don’t have enough healthy white blood cells to fight bacteria or viruses. You may notice that you are getting more infections than you would normally expect. Or that the infections last a long time and are difficult to shake off.
Bruising and bleeding
Platelets are needed for the blood to clot properly. So you may get abnormal bruising and bleeding because you don’t have enough platelets. You might have nosebleeds. Or your gums may bleed when you clean your teeth. A very small amount of bleeding from the gums is relatively common and not related to leukaemia.
Women may have very heavy periods. Or you may notice a rash of very small dark red spots. This is called purpura and is caused by bleeding under the skin.
Joint pains
Too many abnormal white blood cells collecting in the bones, joints or lymph glands can cause pain and swelling.
If you have any of these AML symptoms, you must get checked by your GP. But remember, the symptoms of AML are often vague, and can all be caused by other medical conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have leukaemia. There is information about who should see a leukaemia specialist in this section.
The earlier a leukaemia is picked up, the easier it is to treat it and the more likely the treatment is to be successful. So it is important that you go to your GP as soon as possible if you notice worrying symptoms.
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