Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood and interfere with normal blood cells. (3) Diagnosis is usually made on a bone marrow aspirate sample. Nevertheless, a trephine bone marrow biopsy may be needed if the sample is hypocellular, dilute or inaspirable.(4)
Even though Acute leukemia is considered a rare disease, it causes a disproportionally large effect on cancer survival statistics. (5) AML is the most common type of leukemia in adults but still carries the lowest survival rate out of all leukemia's. Although the prognosis has improved remarkably in the younger age group, it still continues to be poor in older patients. (6,7)
Several studies have examined the associated epidemiological risks with AML but its etiology remains unclear. Studies have been hampered by inconsistent diagnosis leading to a change in classification standards.