Term: acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Pronunciation: (uh-KYOOT non-LIM-foh-SIH-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh)

Description:

A fast-growing cancer in which too many myeloblasts (a type of immature white blood cell) are found in the bone marrow and blood. Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. It can spread outside the blood to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), skin, gums, and testicles. Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia is most common in older adults. Also called acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, AML, and ANLL.