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Symptoms - Acute myeloid leukaemia

The symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) usually develop over a few weeks, becoming more severe as the number of immature white blood cells increases.

Symptoms of AML can include:

  • skin looking pale or "washed out"
  • tiredness
  • breathlessness
  • losing weight without trying
  • frequent infections
  • having a high temperature, and feeling hot or shivery (fever)
  • night sweats
  • unusual and frequent bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds
  • easily bruised skin
  • flat red or purple spots on the skin
  • bone and joint pain
  • a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your tummy
  • swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin that may be sore when you touch them

When to seek medical advice

See a GP if you or your child have the symptoms of AML.

Although it's highly unlikely that AML is the cause, these symptoms need to be investigated and treated promptly.

Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022
Next review due: 04 October 2025