AML DiagnosisAML Diagnosis begins with a physical exam which includes checking for lumps and other irregularities. Medical histories including previous illnesses and treatments are also noted at this time. Hubert H. Humphrey A Complete Blood Count (or CBC) will likely be the next step to determine the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets. A discovery of excess white blood cells during a Complete Blood Test is often one of the first indications of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. AML can also manifest while showing lower platelet or red blood cell counts. A blood sample may be taken and analyzed to determine any substances in the blood produced by other organs and tissues. Any unusual amount of a substance can signify disease in the organ or tissue that created it. This is known as a Blood Chemistry Study. A doctor might perform a Bone Marrow Biopsy which involves the use of a hollow needle which is injected into the hip bone. The needle extracts a sample which includes bone, marrow and blood which is then examined for signs of disease. The bone marrow or blood may be examined using light microscopy or flow cytometry to confirm the presence of leukemia or to differentiate acute myelogenous leukemia from other types of leukemia. A Cytogenetic Analysis may be performed which views a sample of the blood or bone marrow under a microscope to look for chromosomal changes. Immunophenotyping is a technique of identifying molecules that are associated with lymphoma cells and that help to characterize them. Comparing the cancer cells to normal cells of the immune system will help to determine the subtype of AML. "According to the widely used W.H.O. criteria, the AML diagnosis is established by demonstrating involvement of more than 20% of the blood and/or bone marrow by leukemic myeloblasts."-Wikipedia
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