APL stands for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.
| Short Form | APL |
| Full Form | Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia |
| Category | Medical » Diseases & Conditions |
| Country | Worldwide |
| Popularity |
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| Type | Unknown |
What is APL?
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a type of leukemia. It is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells (leukocytes). APL is rare, and most people who get it don’t survive more than 3 months.
APL is usually diagnosed when a person has a fever, white blood cell count (WBC) that is high, or any other sign of infection. Treatment depends on the stage of the leukemia. In some cases, treatment involves chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Most people who get APL have no symptoms at first. However, about 10% of people who get APL develop symptoms such as fever, night sweats, poor appetite, and weight loss. Some people also develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), mouth sores, and shortness of breath.
If you are thinking about getting APL checked out, make sure to talk to your doctor about your risks and benefits. You can also find information about APL on the Cancer Site website.