Adult AML
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) affects both adults and children. This type of cancer affects the blood and bone marrow. In particular, white blood cells called myeloblasts develop abnormally and do not mature into healthy white blood cells. These build up in the blood and bone marrow, crowding out healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
There are different types of AML, and some people may be at greater risk for developing the condition. For example, adults who still smoke after the age of 60 or who were treated for acute lymphocytic leukemia as children might be more likely to develop AML.
(Click Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia for more information on this condition, including possible symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and the likely prognosis.)