Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Medifocus Guidebook: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Updated: 01/07/2007
Comprehensive overview of
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Explore your treatment options
Learn about new developments
Read medical journal abstracts
Find doctors, hospitals, research centers
Introduction
Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow. The bone marrow is the spongy inner part of bones where blood cells are made. White blood cells arise from the marrow and circulate in the blood. Leukemia is characterized by uncontrolled growth of blood cells. In acute leukemia, immature, functionless cells accumulate in the marrow and blood. The marrow often can no longer produce enough normal red and white blood cells and platelets.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is the most common leukemia in adults with some 10,100 new cases annually. AML accounts for just under half of cases of childhood leukemia. Although leukemia starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system and other organs. It does not usually form a solid mass or tumor.
Risk factors can include smoking, radiation or chemical exposure, prior chemotherapy and certain pre-existing conditions or infections. Numerous symptoms, from bruising to bone or joint pain can give a physician reason to test for AML.
Treatment is directed toward achieving complete remission and usually consists of chemotherapy conducted in two stages. The first stage is to induce remission and the second stage it to destroy any remaining leukemic cells.
Remember that any cancer diagnosis is frightening; the support of family and friends is critical, and many support groups are available to patients and their families.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Acute Myelogenous Leukemia contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Acute Myelogenous Leukemia will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia complete this valuable Guidebook.
You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Acute Myelogenous Leukemia so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
