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Back to Oncology Diseases
Acute myeloid leukemia
Introduction
Updated: October 27, 2005
Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML is the most commonly diagnosed type
of adult leukemia, and accounts for about half the cases of
childhood leukemia. It is specifically a malignancy of the myeloid
line of white blood cells.
Incidence
The incidence of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is 2.7 per
100,000 population.
Estimated new cases and deaths from acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
in the United States in 2005.
- New cases: 11,960.
- Deaths: 9,000.
Gender
Slightly higher in males than in females. There are two theories
to explain slightly higher incidence in males: Occupational exposure
to chemical carcinogens and the higher incidence of
myelodysplastic syndrome in males (see
causes).
Age
AML affects all age groups. Age-specific incidences of AML are similar to those of other
solid tumors
in adults, with an exponential rise after age 40 years. The median
age of onset is 65.
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Race and ethnicity
The incidence of acute leukemia is slightly higher in populations
of European descent (whites). Also, a report from the University of Southern
California indicates that acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is more
common in Hispanic populations than in other ethnic groups.
Geography
AML is more commonly diagnosed in developed countries.
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