Leukemia in Adults
Adults may develop acute myeloid leukemia as they age. This form of leukemia is not common in children. “Myeloid” means the cells originate from the bone marrow or spinal cord. It is rare on people under the age of 40, adults are usually diagnosed at age 65.
Myeloid leukemia is caused mostly by carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents, such as benzene and tobacco smoke. Aging is the most important risk factor. It can also develop in people who have undergone chemotherapy earlier to treat other cancers – making the leukemia a secondary acute myeloid leukemia.
Symptoms include fatigue, fever, recurrent infections, night sweats, weight loss and bleeding. A complete blood count should be done, and check whether the white blood count is high, red blood cell count and platelet count are low – this may be leukemia.
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