Anemia, infections, and nosebleeds in older adults may signal blood cancer

Symptoms such as anemia, frequent infections, or nosebleeds in older adults can be early warning signs of a serious blood disorder requiring prompt medical attention.

These common symptoms may indicate acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing blood cancer that can develop rapidly without clear early warning signs.

In AML, “acute” means the disease progresses quickly. Without treatment, a patient’s condition can worsen within weeks or months, making early diagnosis critical.

AML is more common in older adults and occurs when abnormal cells grow rapidly in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. This leads to anemia, infections, and bleeding symptoms that can worsen quickly.

Experts stress that these symptoms should not be ignored, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Professor Yoon Seug-yun from the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital, Seoul, said, “If symptoms suggest AML, seeking timely medical care is essential.”

Professor Yoon Seug-yun (Courtesy of Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital, Seoul)

AML disrupts the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. A shortage of red blood cells can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, while reduced white blood cells increase infection risk, often leading to fever or recurrent illness. Low platelet counts can result in easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.

A simple blood test can raise suspicion of AML

A simple blood test can help raise suspicion of AML, though a bone marrow examination is required for confirmation. This test also identifies the leukemia subtype and provides information needed to guide treatment, including genetic analysis for more precise therapy selection.

The main treatment is chemotherapy to eliminate leukemia cells, followed by therapies to prevent relapse. Treatment plans vary based on age, overall health, and disease characteristics. In high-risk cases, stem cell transplantation may be considered. Recently, targeted therapies and oral medications have expanded treatment options, particularly for older or frail patients.

Treatment outcomes for AML have improved in recent years, especially with the introduction of targeted therapies and less intensive regimens suitable for older adults.

Professor Yoon said, “A diagnosis of AML can be overwhelming, but many patients respond to treatment. If you have concerns, seek medical advice and continue care under close supervision rather than delaying treatment.”