Pediatric AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia) Overview
The Hematology Clinic at Sheba Medical Center in Israeli provides complete and comprehensive care to patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Our 360-degree approach ensures first-rate care to patients from all over the world. Each patient benefits from our highly-skilled team of specialists, state-of-the-art technology, and customized treatment plans.
At our clinic, AML patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors and specialists who have trained in internationally renowned centers around the world. Each case is approached with the utmost care from diagnosis all the way through treatment and follow-up.
Sheba’s holistic approach to healthcare puts the needs of the patient and the family first. We understand that cancer treatment has far-reaching effects on your quality of life, and we’re here to help. You and your family will have the support of our compassionate therapists, psychologists, social workers, and nutritionists. We will keep you informed every step of the way throughout your treatment at Sheba.
About Pediatric AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia)
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects a group of white blood cells called myeloid cells. AML is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults, with an average age of 68 at diagnosis.
What is AML?
Cancer is when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. It can happen in any part of the body and in advanced stages, can spread to other parts of the body. The type of cancer a person has is defined by the place in which the cancer originated.
AML is a type of cancer that starts in cells in the bone marrow that would otherwise have developed into mature blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In AML, cancer generally moves at a rapid pace into the blood, and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system, and testicles
AML Risk Factors
- Age. The risk of developing AML becomes greater as people get older.
- Sex. AML is more common in males than in females.
- Family history. Having a close relative with AML increases a person’s risk of getting the disease.
- Smoking. People who smoke are at a greater risk of developing AML.
- Exposure to chemicals. Long-term exposure to benzene — a solvent used in the rubber industry, oil refineries, chemical plants, shoe manufacturing, and gasoline-related industries — increases a person’s risk of developing AML. It is also believed that exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk of developing AML.
- Exposure to radiation. People who have been exposed to high-dose radiation have a greatly increased risk of developing AML.
- Blood disorders. The risk of AML is higher among those with blood disorders, such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and idiopathic myelofibrosis. The risk increases if the person has been treated for these conditions with chemotherapy or radiation.
- Genetic Syndromes. People with certain syndromes caused by genetic mutations, including those with Down syndrome or Trisomy 8, are at greater risk of developing AML.
Symptoms of AML
A drop in red blood cell count (anemia) may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pale skin
Types of AML
There are several types of AML. Once a diagnosis is made, doctors will then figure out the subtype based on laboratory tests. This important information helps them to determine the patient’s outlook and to build a customized treatment plan.
Request a consultation
Sheba Medical Center provides innovative, personalized medical care to patients from around the world. We are the largest, most comprehensive hospital in the Middle East and dedicated to providing advanced and compassionate medicine for everyone. We welcome all cases, including the rarest and the most challenging. Our medical teams collaborate to provide the best possible health outcomes. From your initial inquiry through the long-term follow-up care, we are here for you.
Request a consultation and a Sheba Case Manager will contact you shortly: