AML: Adults vs. Children
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults, but it is also seen in children. It is important to understand the differences between AML in adults and in children in order to effectively diagnose and treat this condition.
Adults
In adults, AML is the most common type of acute leukemia, accounting for about 8 out of 10 cases. It typically affects people over the age of 60, with the average age being 68. The risk of developing AML increases with age, so the risk is highest for people in their 70s and 80s. Common risk factors for adults include exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, or radiation, as well as inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome or Fanconi anemia.
Children
AML is less common in children than in adults, accounting for about 2 out of 10 cases of acute leukemia. It is most commonly seen in children between the ages of 3 and 7, though it can occur in children of any age. Common risk factors for children include inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome or Fanconi anemia, as well as certain genetic abnormalities. Additionally, exposure to radiation or certain chemotherapy drugs can increase the risk of AML in children.