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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are common to other, less serious illnesses. However, if you're troubled by any of the following symptoms, see your doctor. It is common for people with AML to feel a loss of well-being because of the underproduction of normal bone marrow cells.

The information on this page covers signs and symptoms of AML in adults. Visit Childhood AML to learn about signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information for children with AML. 

AML signs and symptoms

Symptoms of AML may include:  

  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath during normal physical activity
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness
  • Pale-looking skin
  • Fever without an obvious cause
  • Frequent infections
  • Black-and-blue marks for no clear reason
  • Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
  • Pinhead-sized red spots under the skin called “petechiae”
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Aches in bones or joints  

Beat AML® is transforming treatment for people with acute myeloid leukemia. Find out how. 


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