Acute myelogenous leukemia

Definition of acute myelogenous leukemia

acute myelogenous leukemia

(uh-KYOOT MY-eh-LAH-jeh-nus loo-KEE-mee-uh)
A fast-growing cancer in which too many myeloblasts (a type of immature white blood cell) are found in the bone marrow and blood. Acute myelogenous leukemia usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. It can spread outside the blood to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), skin, gums, and testicles. Acute myelogenous leukemia is most common in older adults. Also called acute myeloid leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, AML, and ANLL.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms