AML can refer to two distinct things: Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Anti-Money Laundering. The meaning depends entirely on the context.
1. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a serious type of cancer that rapidly develops in the blood and bone marrow. The bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones, is where blood cells are made. In AML, the bone marrow produces abnormal, immature myeloid cells that don't function properly and crowd out healthy blood cells.
- Symptoms: Symptoms can vary, but often include fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, pale skin, and unexplained weight loss. [Source: Mayo Clinic, American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society]
- Causes: The exact causes of AML are unknown, but risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and genetic conditions. [Source: Mayo Clinic, American Cancer Society]
- Treatment: Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and in some cases, bone marrow transplantation. The specific treatment plan depends on the individual's age, overall health, and the type of AML. [Source: National Cancer Institute]
- Prognosis: AML prognosis varies widely depending on several factors. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment improve chances of remission and long-term survival. [Source: Blood Cancer UK]
2. Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to a set of laws, regulations, and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained money as legitimate funds. It's a crucial component of efforts to combat financial crime, including terrorism financing.
- Regulations: The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) in the United States is a key example of AML legislation. It mandates financial institutions to implement measures to detect and report suspicious activities. [Source: FDIC, FINRA]
- Compliance: Financial institutions are required to implement robust AML programs, including customer due diligence (CDD), transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting (SAR). [Source: FINRA]
- Goal: The primary goal of AML regulations is to disrupt the flow of illicit funds and protect the integrity of the financial system.
