Childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) symptoms
Symptoms are the noticeable changes in the way someone feels. There’s a range of AML symptoms your child might have.
A lot of these symptoms can be hard to spot, as they’re similar to the symptoms of other more common illnesses. The important thing is to look out for symptoms that last longer than normal or seem out of the ordinary.
AML affects how your child’s blood cells function, which can cause a number of symptoms. It’s unlikely they’ll get all of the symptoms listed here – everyone is different.
The most common symptoms of childhood AML are:
- anaemia (a lack of red blood cells), which can cause constant tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, paleness
- unexplained bruising and/or unusual bleeding
- frequent infections.
In black or brown skin, symptoms like paleness and bruising may be less easy to see. Bruises may not show up immediately, but as they develop, they will look darker than the skin around them. Paleness may be more noticeable in the lips, gums, tongue and nail beds. If you pull the lower eyelid down gently, the inside will look pale pink or white rather than red.
Less common symptoms include:
- stomach pain or swelling
- bone pain
- generally feeling unwell
- night sweats
- losing weight
- swollen glands in the neck.
We have more information about the symptoms of childhood leukaemia.
We also have information on infections in blood cancer.
Worried about anything or have questions?
If you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to contact our Support Service by phone or email.