Leukemia is a type of cancer that causes your body to make too many blood cells, especially white blood cells. White blood cells are a part of your immune system, which helps protect you from infection and disease.
In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), some of the young white blood cells don't mature like they should. Instead, they may cause symptoms as they begin to crowd out healthy blood cells in your bone marrow and blood. Chronic leukemia gets worse slowly, and you may have few or no symptoms for months or years. It is often discovered during a routine blood test.
There are many treatments for CML, including targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants. A healthy diet, exercise, extra rest, and a strong support system can help you feel better. Many people also find that getting counseling or joining a support group helps them cope with their illness.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that causes the body to produce large numbers of young white blood cells (myeloblasts). These myeloblasts, called leukemia cells, cannot fight infection very well.
When leukemia cells build up in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy blood cells. This can cause infections, anemia, and easy bleeding.
Most people with CML have a gene change (mutation) called the Philadelphia chromosome.
CML usually gets worse slowly. It is sometimes referred to as chronic myelogenous leukemia.
CML often doesn't cause symptoms. When it does, they may include tiredness (fatigue), a feeling of fullness below the ribs, fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite. If the disease gets worse, it may lead to infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and belly or bone pain.
CML is treated right away. Treatments may include:
A clinical trial may be a good choice.
For newly diagnosed people in the beginning stages of CML (chronic phase), targeted therapy with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor may work for many years. If they don't have a relapse, they may never need to have a stem cell transplant. But if they have a relapse or don't respond to targeted therapy, they may need other treatment, including a stem cell transplant.
For people who are diagnosed with CML in the later stages (accelerated or blast crisis phase), treatment may involve targeted therapy by itself. Or it may involve targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and other medicines before having a stem cell transplant.
Your doctor will ask about your past health and any symptoms you've had. You'll have a physical exam and blood tests. You'll most likely have a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The doctor may do more tests to learn about the type of leukemia and how severe it is.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. Young white blood cells grow abnormally, and they don't mature or die off as they should. These abnormal cells can crowd out normal blood cells and cause problems.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated