Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

  

Introduction

Chronic myelogenous leukemia, which is also called CML, is a kind of cancer that occurs in a specialized white blood cell called a myelocyte. The cancerous change often takes place in the bone marrow, where all blood cells are made. CML is slow to develop and may affect a person for many years.

What is going on in the body?

When the cancerous cells grow in the bone marrow, normal bloods cells are often destroyed or crowded out. Having fewer normal white cells can cause the person to become infected easily. The infections may be serious and life-threatening. Having fewer platelets means that the person may bruise or bleed easily. Anemia, or low numbers of red blood cells, can make the person weak and easily tired.
CML cells eventually leave the bone marrow and travel throughout the body in the bloodstream. So many CML cells may enter the bloodstream that the blood becomes too thick. The number of CML cells may be as many as a 150 times the normal amount of white cells. However, these CML cells do not function like normal white cells.

What are the causes of the disease?

The cause of CML is unknown.  

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Many times, CML causes no symptoms and is found only when a routine blood sample is checked. The most common symptom is severe fatigue. The person may also have unexplained weight loss and night sweats. Occasionally, the person can feel pain in the upper left side of the abdomen due to a swollen spleen.  

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of CML begins with a medical history and physical exam. A blood sample is examined to look for cancerous cells. Genetic studies may be done on the blood sample as well. This helps to identify any special characteristics of the leukemia. A sample of bone marrow will be removed and examined as well. This procedure is known as bone marrow biopsy   

 

 

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There is no known prevention for CML.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

The early part of the disease, when it is causing few problems, is called the chronic phase. Eventually, CML cells will begin multiplying very rapidly. At that time, the disease will be similar to acute nonlymphatic leukemia. CML is said to be in terminal phase because there are so many immature white cells in the body. At that point the disease is difficult to treat and may lead to death. This may happen several months or years after the disease is diagnosed.

What are the risks to others?

CML is not contagious and poses no risk to others.  



Reference  
 Khouri, I, Sanchez, F.G., Deisseroth, A.(1997). Leukemias in Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 5th Edition DeVita, V.T. (ed). J.B. Lippincott: Philadelphia. Pp. 2287-2321