Living with Acute promyelocytic leukemia
A form of acute myeloid leukemia in which immature white blood cells build up in the bone marrow, leading to bleeding and bruising.
Understanding Acute promyelocytic leukemia
Immature white blood cells called promyelocytes build up in the bone marrow. This crowds out normal white and red blood cells and platelets. It is most often diagnosed around age 40, but can be diagnosed at any age.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Shortness of breath with activity
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: acute myeloblastic leukaemia 3; acute myeloblastic leukaemia type 3; acute myeloblastic leukemia 3; acute myeloblastic leukemia type 3; acute myeloid leukaemia m3; acute myeloid leukaemia with t(15
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyAcute promyelocytic leukemia · United States
- Blood Cancer UnitedAcute promyelocytic leukemia · United States
- HealthTree FoundationAcute promyelocytic leukemia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Explore research for Acute promyelocytic leukemia
Explore actively recruiting Acute promyelocytic leukemia studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Acute promyelocytic leukemia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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