Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is also known by several other names, including acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. AML is not inherited or contagious.  It develops when there is a defect in the immature cells in the bone marrow. Normally, bone marrow cells mature into several different types of blood cells.  Acute myelogenous leukemia affects the young blood cells (called blasts) that develop into a type of white blood cell (called granulocytes). The main function of granulocytes is to destroy bacteria. The blasts, which do not mature and become too numerous, remain in the bone marrow and blood. Acute leukemia can occur over a short period of days to weeks. Chromosome abnormalities (extra chromosomes and structural changes in the chromosome material) are present in the majority of ALL (acute lymphocytic leukemia) patients.

Causes

Like Acute lymphocytic leukemia, the exact cause of AML is also unknown but some environmental factors are linked including exposure to radiation and benzene. Other causes are Antecedent hematologic disorders, congenital disorders, familial syndromes, prior exposure to chemotherapeutic agents for another malignancy.

Symptoms:

• anemia
• bleeding
• bruising
• fever
• persistent weakness
• fatigue
• aches in bones and joints
• swollen lymph nodes

Treatments 

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• bone marrow transplantation