Diagnosis, classification, and requisite ancillary studies (flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics) of acute myeloid leukemia, critical to optimal patient care, have changed dramatically in the last 15 years and continue to evolve at a rapid pace. We present in this chapter background information for understanding these changes to date, review current diagnosis and classification of these diseases, and provide insights into future possible evolution of our understanding of the biology of this set of diseases.
