Leukemia - Acute Myeloid - AML - Introduction

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 01/2016


Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Leukemia begins when healthy blood cells change and grow out of control. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disorder of the process that normally produces neutrophils, red blood cells, and/or platelets, which are types of healthy blood cells. AML may sometimes be called acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Unlike chronic leukemia, acute leukemia develops quickly and generally needs immediate treatment. AML occurs in people of all ages but is most common in adults older than 65.

About neutrophils

Neutrophils are normal white blood cells with granules inside the cell. They are also sometimes called mature granulocytes. Neutrophils fight infections caused by bacteria and other organisms. Mature neutrophils grow from immature white blood cells, also called progenitors, in a process called differentiation. The production of mature neutrophils usually is highly regulated. For example, the body rapidly makes more neutrophils during an infection and returns to a regular level of production when the infection is controlled.

About AML

In AML, damage to the genetic material or DNA in the blood-forming cells cause problems with the blood cell development. This type of damage is called an acquired mutation. When blood cells do not develop as expected, it causes a build-up of many immature cells called myeloblasts or blasts. Blasts do not act like fully developed, healthy blood cells and do not help a person’s immune system work. These acquired mutations and the large number of blasts also reduces the number of healthy blood cells, including:

  • Red blood cells, which carry oxygen

  • Platelets, which help the blood to clot

Therefore, people with AML are likely to have the following symptoms:

  • Anemia from too few red blood cells

  • Infections because they do not have enough mature neutrophils

  • Easy bruising or bleeding because of a low numbers of platelets


Normal peripheral blood with two neutrophils

Normal peripheral blood with two neutrophils
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AML Disease

AML disease
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These images used with permission by the College of American Pathologists.


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