Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. The main symptom of AML is usually anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. However, AML can also cause pain and other symptoms in some cases.
In most cases, AML itself may not be painful, but complications related to the disease can cause pain. For instance, some people with AML may experience bone pain or a dull ache in the bones, which can be caused by an accumulation of leukemia cells in the bone marrow, or by bone damage caused by chemotherapy. Other types of pain associated with AML include abdominal pain, chest pain, and headache.
In addition, because AML can reduce the number of healthy blood cells in the body, this can lead to a condition called thrombocytopenia, which can cause bruises and bleeding. This can be painful, especially if it leads to bleeding in the mouth or nose.
Finally, while AML itself may not be painful, the treatments used to manage it can cause pain or discomfort. People receiving chemotherapy may experience nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, and some may experience pain from the injections. In addition, people receiving radiation therapy may experience skin irritation and fatigue.
Overall, while AML itself may not be painful, it can cause pain and other symptoms through its complications and treatments. It is important to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing any type of pain or discomfort associated with AML.