The symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) usually develop over a few weeks, becoming more severe as the number of immature white blood cells increases.
Symptoms of AML can include:
- skin looking pale or "washed out"
- tiredness
- breathlessness
- losing weight without trying
- frequent infections
- having a high temperature, and feeling hot or shivery (fever)
- night sweats
- unusual and frequent bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- easily bruised skin
- flat red or purple spots on the skin
- bone and joint pain
- a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your tummy
- swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin that may be sore when you touch them
When to seek medical advice
See a GP if you or your child have the symptoms of AML.
Although it's highly unlikely that AML is the cause, these symptoms need to be investigated and treated promptly.
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022
Next review due: 04 October 2025