Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis often begins with an exam that checks for bruising, bleeding in the mouth or gums, infection, and swollen lymph nodes. Other tests include blood and lab tests, bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture, and imaging.

Tests and exams to diagnose acute myelogenous leukemia, also called AML, include:

Blood tests

Blood tests for acute myelogenous leukemia might include a test to count the number of blood cells in a sample of blood. This test is called a complete blood count. The results may show too many or too few white blood cells. Often the test finds that there are not enough red blood cells and not enough platelets. Another blood test looks for immature white blood cells called myeloblasts in the blood. These cells typically aren’t found in the blood. But they can occur in the blood of people with AML.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are procedures that involve collecting cells from the bone marrow. In bone marrow aspiration, a needle is used to draw a sample of the bone marrow fluid. In a bone marrow biopsy, a needle is used to collect a small amount of solid tissue. The samples are typically taken from the hip bone. The samples go to a lab for testing.

In the lab, tests can look for DNA changes in the bone marrow cells. Which DNA changes are present in your bone marrow cells are an important part of diagnosing AML. The results can help your healthcare team create a treatment plan.

Lumbar puncture

Sometimes, a lumbar puncture may be needed if there’s concern that the leukemia has spread to the brain and spinal cord. A lumbar puncture also is called a spinal tap. It removes a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. A small needle is inserted into the lower back to remove a fluid sample. The sample is sent to a lab.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests make pictures of the body. For AML, imaging tests might make pictures of the brain, if there’s concern that the leukemia cells have spread there. Imaging might include CT or MRI. If there’s concern that the leukemia might have spread to another part of the body, imaging might be done with a positron emission tomography scan, also called a PET scan.

Your AML subtype

If you’re diagnosed with AML, you may need further lab tests to determine your AML subtype. These tests include examining your blood and bone marrow for genetic changes and other signs that indicate specific AML subtypes. Currently, there are 15 different subtypes. Your AML subtype helps your healthcare professional determine the best treatment for you.