AML and ALL are two types of leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells. Both diseases start in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. The main difference between AML and ALL is how quickly the disease progresses. With AML, symptoms usually develop slowly over time, whereas with ALL, they develop more rapidly. Treatment for both diseases is similar and usually includes chemotherapy. However, in some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
What is AML?
AML is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow and leads to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells crowd out the healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, and they can also build up in the bloodstream. AML is an aggressive form of cancer, and it can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of AML include fatigue, shortness of breath, and easy bruising or bleeding. While AML is most common in adults over the age of 60, it can occur at any age.
There is no one definitive cause of AML, but certain risk factors have been identified, including exposure to certain chemicals or treatments for other forms of cancer. AML is treated with chemotherapy, and patients may also need a bone marrow transplant.
What is ALL?
ALL, or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer that develops in the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of childhood cancer, and it can also occur in adults. ALL treatment typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants. The goal of treatment is to achieve remission, which is when the leukemia cells are no longer detectable in the blood or bone marrow. ALL can be a challenging disease to treat, but with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many people are able to achieve remission and live long healthy lives.
Difference between AML and ALL
- AML and ALL are both leukemia diseases. AML is acute myelogenous leukemia while ALL is acute lymphocytic leukemia. The main difference between AML and ALL is that AML occurs in the myeloid tissue while ALL occurs in the lymphoid tissue. AML is also known as acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, or acute granulocytic leukemia.
- It is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. AML starts in the cells that turn into red blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes. These cells are not able to mature and function properly. As a result, there are too many immature cells in the bloodstream which crowd out healthy blood cells leading to anemia, infections, and bleeding.
- ALL starts in the early forms of white blood cells called lymphocytes which are found in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland. The immature lymphocytes crowd out healthy blood cells leading to anemia, infections, and bleeding. Both AML and ALL can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Conclusion
The main difference between AML and ALL diseases is that AML starts in the bone marrow while ALL disease starts in the lymphatic system. Both of these diseases are serious but can be treated if caught early.
