Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

Main symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia

Symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions.

They usually appear quite quickly over a few weeks.

The main symptoms include:

• feeling very tired or weak
• looking more pale than usual – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the inside of the eyelids
• shortness of breath
• bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
• getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
• a high temperature
• pain in the bones or joints
• a swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full
• swollen glands – usually in the neck, armpits and the top of your inner thigh (groin)

Acute myeloid leukaemia can be diagnosed at any age, but it is more common in older people.

When and where to get medical help

If you have symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia, it's important to get them checked by a GP.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP will usually arrange for an urgent blood test if they think there's a chance you could have acute myeloid leukaemia.

They may also check your blood pressure and temperature.

They may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.

Sometimes you might have to go to hospital straight away. This does not mean you definitely have cancer.