acute myelogenous leukemia

pathology

Also known as: AML

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, characterized by an overproduction of immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. This rapid proliferation in the bone marrow crowds out healthy cells, leading to symptoms like anemia, fever, and bleeding. AML is more common in adults and, while remissions can be achieved with treatment, recurrence is frequent. Risk factors include exposure to radiation and certain chemicals like benzene. Advances in understanding leukemia's genetic basis have led to new treatment strategies, including chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

leukemia
…as one of four types—acute myelogenous, acute lymphocytic, chronic myelogenous, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Acute leukemias affect immature cells; the disease develops rapidly, with symptoms including anemia, fever, bleeding, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Immature leukemia cells
Read More
…as one of four types—acute myelogenous, acute lymphocytic, chronic myelogenous, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Acute leukemias affect immature cells; the disease develops rapidly, with symptoms including anemia, fever, bleeding, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Immature leukemia cells
Read More