I Am Asking This Question For My 79 Year Old

Posted on Sat, 22 Jun 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 Answered on

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Question : I am asking this question for my 79 year old mother. This year my sister was diagnosed with AML and now my mom’s blood work looks suspicious. She was referred to a hematologist who states she thinks my mom has AML. She has ordered more blood work. Can AML be diagnosed without a bone marrow test? What are the chances of them both having this? I asked another doctor who said it isn’t hereditary but genetic. But Im worried for me and my brother.

Answered by Dr. Monish De (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, AML can be diagnosed with the bone marrow test

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, AML can be diagnosed with the bone marrow test.

Chances of your mother having it are 35 percent since your sister is being suspected of AML.

It is genetic but not hereditary.

Chances of you, your father and brother having it is only 25 percent

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee