Symptoms

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
• having a high temperature, and feeling hot or shivery (fever)
• sweating a lot
• losing weight without trying
• frequent infections
• 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: Mon Feb 2022 Next review due: Fri Feb 2020