⁠⁠Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

⁠Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Overview

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It's a slow-developing cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells.

Chronic myeloid leukemia typically affects older adults. It's caused by a chromosome mutation that occurs spontaneously. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia. It's a type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow.

Symptoms

• Weaknessats
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Bone pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side
• Night sweats

Risk factors Older age, Being male, and Radiation exposure.

Diagnosis

• A physical exam
• Medical history
• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC)
• Bone marrow tests, such as bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy
• Genetic tests to look for the Philadelphia chromosome

Treatment Targeted drug treatments and Prompt treatment can keep CML from getting worse.

Prognosis

• Most people can live with CML for many years
• Without treatment, CML can become a life-threatening illness within three to four years
• Rarely CML can also turn into acute leukemia, which needs immediate medical attention