Learn To Identify Acute Granulocytic Leukemia Symptoms

Are you aware of acute granulocytic leukemia symptoms? Acute granulocytic leukemia (AGL) is one of several leukemias classified in a group of "neoplastic diseases," which means they have something to do with the bone marrow and abnormal white blood cells. The challenge with this kind of acute leukemia is that it hits the body hard and it continues to progress through the body quickly.

AGL is also called adult onset leukemia. According to statistics, about 10,000 men and women in America are diagnosed each year. As people age, their risk for AGL is higher, men are more at risk than women. In fact, many men do not know they have it until they are at least 65 years old, and others who have it are never diagnosed with the disease. Other names for AGL include myelogenous and nonlymphocytic.

Doctors are not always sure why this disease happens, but it is clear that in many cases it occurs because an individual has been exposed to radiation through chemicals like benzene. Of course, many doctors also believe this disease can happen as a result of abnormalities in the chromosomes, or even that it is genetic.

There are a variety of symptoms that are associated with AGL, but it is difficult to define because these symptoms can also be associated with many other disease symptoms too. Also keep in mind that in AGL, the greatest challenge is that the body doesn't produce the amount of healthy blood cells it needs.

A Few Common Acute Granulocytic Leukemia Symptoms Include:

* Fatigue
* No appetite
* Infections that happen often, some of which may be slow to heal
* Bruising easier than you are used to bruising
* Bleeding easier than normal
* Joint pain that isn't from arthritis
* Skin is pale
* Headaches, confusion, and seizures

In order to find out whether a person has AGL, doctors will usually start with blood work to see the percentage of your blood cells to your platelets. This will help them see whether you have the right amount of each. If the doctor suspects leukemia, they will ask for a bone marrow test, which usually will be able to confirm if leukemia is present or not. In some cases, a spinal tap would be done (where they test the spinal fluid) if the first tests aren't conclusive.

Note that these are only a few of the symptoms, and they will vary from person to person. Without treatment, statistics suggest that people who are exposed and do not receive treatment may be given a prognosis of 3 or 4 months. Treatment usually consists of chemotherapy and the doctor may also suggest a bone marrow transplant.

The good news is that about 70% to 80% of patients who receive treatment are able to put this disease into remission. Also, about 20% to 30% have actually become free of AGL and have not had any other symptoms. Being aware of acute granulocytic leukemia symptoms and taking action if they are present can and does save lives.