Symptoms
The symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) usually develop over a few weeks, becoming more severe as the number of immature white blood cells increases.
Symptoms of AML can include:
- skin looking pale or "washed out"
- tiredness
- breathlessness
- losing weight without trying
- frequent infections
- having a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
- night sweats
- unusual and frequent bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- easily bruised skin
- flat red or purple spots on the skin
- bone and joint pain
- a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your tummy
- swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin that may be sore when you touch them
When to seek medical advice
See a GP if you or your child have the symptoms of AML.
Although it's highly unlikely that AML is the cause, these symptoms need to be investigated and treated promptly.
Last Reviewed
25 November 2025
