What is chronic myelogenous leukemia?
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It causes the body to produce too many abnormal white blood cells. These cells don’t work properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells over time.
CML usually develops slowly, and many people live with it for years with proper treatment.
CML is caused by a change in the DNA of bone marrow cells. This change, known as the Philadelphia chromosome, leads to uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. It is not passed down from parents and usually develops over time.
Symptoms
CML often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms early on. It is sometimes discovered during routine blood work.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Ongoing tiredness or low energy
- Weakness
- Fever or chills
- Night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Pain or fullness in the upper left side of the abdomen
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone or joint discomfort
- Itchy skin
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors often find CML through routine blood tests that show unusually high white blood cell counts.
To confirm the diagnosis, your care team may use:
- Blood tests to evaluate cell levels
- Bone marrow testing to examine cell production
- Genetic testing to look for specific chromosome changes
These tests help determine the stage of the disease and guide treatment decisions.
How is it treated?
Treatment for CML focuses on controlling the disease and helping you maintain a good quality of life.
Common treatment options include:
- Targeted therapy: Medications that block the abnormal signals causing cancer cell growth
- Monitoring: Regular checkups and testing to track how the disease responds
- Chemotherapy: Used less often, but may be recommended in certain situations
- Stem cell transplant: A more intensive option for select patients
Many people respond very well to targeted medications and can manage CML as a long-term condition. Ongoing follow-up care is important to monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed.
