Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder in which the body’s bone marrow does not make enough of all three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Although these two conditions are very different, it is possible for aplastic anemia to turn into AML.
Can Aplastic Anemia Turn into AML?
Aplastic anemia is a condition in which the body’s bone marrow does not make enough of all three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is usually caused by a problem with the body’s immune system, which attacks and destroys the bone marrow. Although aplastic anemia is a serious condition, it is treatable with medication and sometimes even a bone marrow transplant.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is caused by an overproduction of immature white blood cells, which crowd out the healthy blood cells. AML is a very serious condition and is usually treated with chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant.
It is possible for aplastic anemia to turn into AML, although it is rare. This is because aplastic anemia can have long-term effects on the bone marrow, which can damage the cells and make them more susceptible to developing cancer. In some cases, aplastic anemia can be an early sign of AML.
Risk Factors for Aplastic Anemia Turning into AML
Anyone with aplastic anemia is at risk for developing AML, though the chances are small. Some factors can increase the risk of developing AML, such as:
- Age: The risk of AML increases with age. People over the age of 60 are at higher risk.
- Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as HIV, are at higher risk for developing AML.
- Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals: Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, such as benzene, can increase the risk of developing AML.
- Genetic factors: People with certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, are at increased risk for developing AML.
Signs and Symptoms of AML
If you have aplastic anemia, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of AML. These can include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
Conclusion
Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder in which the body’s bone marrow does not make enough of all three types of blood cells. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is possible for aplastic anemia to turn into AML, although it is rare. There are certain risk factors that can increase the risk, such as age, certain medical conditions, exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, and certain genetic conditions. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of AML, and if you experience any of them, it is important to contact your doctor right away.