Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, the organ responsible for producing blood cells. The disease is characterized by the rapid proliferation of abnormal white blood cells, known as myeloblasts, which build up in the bone marrow and blood, leading to a shortage of healthy blood cells. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including: Fatigue and weakness Shortness of breath Easy bruising or bleeding Infections due to a lack of white blood cells Anemia (a low red blood cell count) Pain in the bones or joints Swelling or pain in the abdomen (from a buildup of leukemia cells in the spleen or liver) Unusual weight loss The exact cause of AML is not known, but there are several factors that have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. These include: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome Previous cancer treatment with radiation