Acute Myeloid Leukemia: From fatigue to fever, the subtle symptoms to know
Despite being aggressive, AML doesn't always begin with dramatic symptoms. Some of the earlier signs are subtle, everyday experiences that we often tend to overlook, such as fatigue, fever, minor infections, or even pale skin. But when these persist, it's time to look deeper.
What exactly is AML?
AML affects the body and bone marrow, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out healthy ones. In simple terms, the body's defence system is compromised from the inside.
Dr Sameer Melinkeri, Hemato-oncologist and Director of Bone Marrow Transplant at Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, explains, 'AML symptoms mimic common conditions fever, fatigue, frequent infections, or bruising. Unfortunately, these signs are often dismissed or treated symptomatically, leading to late-stage detection.'
Key symptoms include:
Persistent fatigue or Weakness
Unexplained fever or night sweats
Frequent or severe infections
Easy bruising or bleeding
Pale skin (anaemia)
Bone pain
Diagnosis and challenges
Diagnosis typically begins with a complete blood count, followed by a bone marrow biopsy.
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Additional genetic and molecular testing helps determine the exact subtype and suitable treatment. In India, where fevers are commonly attributed to viral infections like dengue or typhoid, AML is often missed until it progresses, especially in primary healthcare settings.
According to estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research, blood cancers make up around 8-10% of total cancer cases in the country, and AML is a major contributor among adults.
Is treatment possible?
Yes, but it's not simple. The treatment is costly, says Dr Melinkeri. 'Earlier, AML was treated only with intensive chemotherapy or Bone Marrow Transplant. However, not all individuals, particularly elderly patients, can't manage that intensity of treatment. Only about half the patients can complete the full course due to financial barriers. With the advent targeted therapies such as Ivosidenib, Azacitidine and Venetoclax, individual mutations in AML could be targeted leading do minimal collateral damage to normal blood cells.
'
Why does awareness matter more than ever?
In a country like ours, a lack of awareness is one of the biggest enemies. People ignore symptoms until it's too late, not because they don't care, but because they don't know what to look for.
That is why this June, AML Awareness Month becomes more than just a calendar note. It's a reminder to listen to our body talk to a doctor if something feels off. Even if it is just fatigue.
AML might be rare, but when it strikes, it doesn't wait and neither should we.
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