C92.4: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia [PML]
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML) is a subtype of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The disease is characterized by a rapid overproduction of immature white blood cells, specifically, cells called promyelocytes. This leads to a deficiency of mature healthy cells in the bloodstream. Acute promyelocytic leukemia typically manifests as fatigue, shortness of breath, and an increased tendency for bleeding and bruising. These symptoms are the result of insufficient oxygen-carrying red blood cells and clot-forming platelets, both overcrowded by the rapid production of abnormal promyelocytes. PML also carries risk of life-threatening bleeding problems, often characterized by small red dots appearing on the skin, nosebleeds or even blood in the urine or stool. This condition can progress quickly and be fatal within weeks or months if left untreated. The exact cause of PML is unknown, but it is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
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