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Types of AML

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the bone marrow. According to the National Institutes of Health, AML is more prevalent in men and people around 65 years of age. It is classified under eight subtypes.

  1. Undifferentiated Leukemia

    • Undifferentiated leukemia (M0) occurs when the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of leukemia cells called "blasts," which are so immature that it's hard to distinguish if they really are AML cells.

    Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia

    • In acute myeloblastic leukemia (M1), there are excessive amounts of immature "blasts" but there are also a few mature cells.

    Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia

    • In acute myeloblastic leukemia with maturation (M2), there are some immature "blasts" and some mature cells as well.

    Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

    • In acute promyelocytic leukemia (M3), the normal blood cells are replaced by atypical promyelocytes. APL may cause severe bleeding.

    Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia

    • In acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4), there is an excessive amount of infection-fighting cells called monocytes and myelocytes.

    M5, M6, and M7

    • In acute monocytic leukemia (M5), there are excessive amounts of monocytes and monoblasts in the blood. Acute erythroblastic leukemia (M6) is a complication of Myelodysplasia, which causes the overproduction of primal red blood cells. In acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (M7) the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of megakaryocyte cells, which develop into platelets.

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