Acute myeloid leukemia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

1. Definition Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. It is a rapidly progressing disease that can lead to the production of abnormal white blood cells. AML is also known as acute granulocytic leukemia or acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.

2. Causes / Etiology The exact cause of AML is not known, but it is believed to be related to genetic mutations and environmental factors. Some of the possible causes of AML include:

• Exposure to radiation and chemicals
• Genetic mutations
• Exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides
• Previous cancer treatment
• Family history of AML

3. Types or Classification There are several types of AML, including:

• Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): a type of AML that is caused by a genetic mutation and is characterized by the abnormal production of white blood cells called promyelocytes.
• Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML-M0): a type of AML that is characterized by the abnormal production of immature white blood cells called myeloblasts.
• Acute Monoblastic Leukemia (AML-M5): a type of AML that is characterized by the abnormal production of immature white blood cells called monoblasts.
• Acute Erythroid Leukemia (AML-M6): a type of AML that is characterized by the abnormal production of immature red blood cells called erythroblasts.
• Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AML-M7): a type of AML that is characterized by the abnormal production of immature platelet cells called megakaryoblasts.
• Acute Basophilic Leukemia (AML-M2): a type of AML that is characterized by the abnormal production of immature white blood cells called basophils.
• Acute Eosinophilic Leukemia (AML-M4): a type of AML that is characterized by the abnormal production of immature white blood cells called eosinophils.

4. Pathology The development of AML involves the following steps:

• Step 1: A genetic mutation occurs in the bone marrow stem cells, leading to the abnormal production of white blood cells.
• Step 2: The abnormal stem cells begin to multiply rapidly, leading to an overproduction of white blood cells.
• Step 3: The abnormal white blood cells begin to crowd out the normal white blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the production of normal white blood cells.
• Step 4: The abnormal white blood cells enter the bloodstream and begin to accumulate, leading to a range of symptoms.

5. Clinical Features The clinical features of AML include:

• General Features: fatigue, weakness, weight loss, fever, and bleeding or bruising easily.
• Specific Features: anemia, infection, and bleeding or bruising easily.

6. Complications The complications of AML include:

• Acute Complications: bone marrow failure, infection, bleeding or bruising easily, and anemia.
• Chronic Complications: bone marrow fibrosis, anemia, and secondary cancer.

7. Diagnosis / Investigations The diagnosis of AML is made using the following tests:

• Routine Blood Tests: complete blood count (CBC) and blood smear.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow is removed from the hip bone.
• Imaging Tests: chest X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan.
• Specialized Tests: flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis, and molecular testing.

8. Management The management of AML includes:

• General Management: supportive care, including blood transfusions, antibiotics, and pain management.
• Modern Treatment: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
• Dietary Advice: a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics The treatment of AML with homeopathic remedies includes:

• Arsenicum album: for symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.
• Carbo vegetabilis: for symptoms of anemia and fatigue.
• Natrum muriaticum: for symptoms of infection and bleeding or bruising easily.
• Phosphorus: for symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and anemia.
• Silica: for symptoms of anemia, fatigue, and weakness.