How AML is diagnosed

Most people with AML are referred for treatment at a haematology unit, where a team of specialists will meet to discuss and agree on the plan of treatment they feel is best for you. This multidisciplinary team (MDT) normally includes:

• one or more haematologists
• a clinical oncologist (a doctor who specialises in radiotherapy and chemotherapy)
• specialist nurses who give information and support
• pathologists who advise on the type and extent of the leukaemia.

Other staff will be available to help you if necessary, such as:

• social workers
• dietitians
• counsellors and psychologists
• physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

The doctor at the hospital will ask you questions about your health and about any previous illnesses you’ve had. They will also examine you to find out how you are physically. You will have a blood sample taken to check the numbers of all the different types of blood cell in your blood (a full blood count|).

If the blood test shows that leukaemia cells are present, your doctor will want to take a sample of your bone marrow. This is an important test for finding out more about the leukaemia. It gives the doctors information to help them plan the best treatment for you.

Bone marrow sample/biopsy Back to top

A small sample (biopsy) of bone marrow is taken from the back of your hipbone (pelvis). A pathologist/haematologist will look at the sample under a microscope to identify the type of leukaemia. They will also count the number of immature blood cells (blasts) in the sample and carry out other tests on the sample to help confirm the diagnosis.

The bone marrow sample is taken under a local anaesthetic. You will be given a small injection to numb the area, which may sting a little at first. The doctor then gently passes a needle through the skin into the bone and draws a small sample of liquid marrow into a syringe to be looked at later under the microscope (bone marrow aspirate). The doctor then takes a small core of marrow from the bone (a trephine biopsy).  

 

The test can be done on the ward or in the outpatients department. The whole procedure takes about 15–20 minutes. It may cause an uncomfortable feeling as the marrow is drawn into the syringe but this should only last for a few seconds.

 

You may be offered a medicine to make you feel drowsy and reduce any pain or discomfort during the test. You may feel bruised after the test and have an ache for a few days. This can be eased with mild painkillers. 

Other tests Back to top

Your doctor may arrange for you to have other tests to check that your lungs, liver, kidneys and heart are healthy. These can include a chest x-ray, further blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram.

If your leukaemia is causing you severe problems your doctor may want to start treatment immediately. Sometimes treatment may be delayed for a day or more to ensure that all test results are available.