Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. In general, patients may experience an overall decline in well-being, including:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and fatigue

Signs and symptoms of AML may develop from the reduction of normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets caused by the disease. These blood abnormalities may cause the following conditions and symptoms:

• Anemia. An abnormally low amount of red blood cells. It can trigger a variety of signs and symptoms including pallor, fatigue and shortness of breath.
  
  
• Infection. Decreased levels of normal white blood cells weaken the immune system and cause a greater risk for infection. The infection may or may not be accompanied by a fever.
  
  
• Thrombocytopenia. An abnormally low amount of platelets. This condition result in excessive bleeding or bruising.
  
  
• Enlargement of spleen or liver. This can cause a feeling of fullness between the ribs or swelling of the abdomen.
  
  
• Bone and joint pain. Caused by the spread of the disease to the bone.
  
  
• Leukemia cutis and chloromas. Painless blue, blue–green or purple colored lumps that may appear in the neck, underarm, stomach or eye areas.
  
  
• Rashes.  Spread of these malignancies to the skin may cause small spots that look like an ordinary rash. Capillary bleeding due to low platelets may also mimic a rash.

Early symptoms of AML may be overlooked because they can resemble symptoms of more common illnesses, such as influenza. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when they experience any symptom of AML. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier treatment may begin and the better the prognosis.