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Diagnosing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) |
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Tests that examine the blood and bone marrow are used to detect (find) and diagnose adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
The following tests and procedures may be used:
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- Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
- Complete blood count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:
- The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells.
- The portion of the sample made up of red blood cells.
- Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it.
- Peripheral blood smear: A procedure in which a sample of blood is checked for the presence of blast cells, number and kinds of white blood cells, the number of platelets, and changes in the shape of blood cells.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: The removal of a small piece of bone and bone marrow by inserting a needle into the hipbone or breastbone. A pathologist views both the bone and bone marrow samples under a microscope to look for signs of cancer.
- Cytogenetic analysis: A test in which the cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow are viewed under a microscope to look for certain changes in the chromosomes.
- Immunophenotyping: A process used to identify cells, based on the types of antigens or markers on the surface of the cell. This process is used to diagnose the subtype of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) by comparing the cancer cells to normal cells of the immune system.
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Once adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
The extent or spread of cancer is usually described as stages. In adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the subtype of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and whether the leukemia has spread outside the blood and bone marrow are used instead of the stage to plan treatment. The following tests and procedures may be used to determine if the leukemia has spread:
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- Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
- Lumbar puncture: A procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal column. This is done by placing a needle into the spinal column. This procedure is also called an LP or spinal tap.
- Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs in the abdomen and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
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There is no standard staging system for adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML
The disease is described as untreated, in remission, or recurrent.
Untreated adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
In untreated adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), the disease is newly diagnosed. It has not been treated except to relieve symptoms such as fever, bleeding, or pain and the following are true:
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- The complete blood count is abnormal.
- At least 20% of the cells in the bone marrow are blast (leukemia cells).
- There are signs or symptoms of leukemia.
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Adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in remission
In adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in remission, the disease has been treated and the following are true:
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- The complete blood count is abnormal.
- Less than 5% of the cells in the bone marrow are blasts (leukemia cells).
- There are no signs or symptoms of leukemia in the brain and spinal cord or elsewhere in the body.
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Recurrent Adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
Recurrent Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated. The Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) may come back in the blood or bone marrow. |
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