Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is marked by changes in:
CML is often slow growing for many years. Over time, it may change into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a faster and more serious type of leukemia.
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In CML, the abnormal cells grow and crowd out other blood cells. This leads to problems with infections and bleeding.
CML is almost always linked to changes in a gene. The gene change may be caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation. However, in many people, the cause is not known.
CML is more common in older adults and men. Other things that may raise the risk are:
CML may cause:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will check for swelling of the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes.
Tests may include:
Testing confirms CML diagnosis.
For certain symptoms, imaging tests may be done to look at body structures. They may be:
CML is grouped into 3 phases. This helps the doctor know what to expect and what treatments to use.
The goal is to get rid of the cancer cells. Treatment depends on person's age, health, and phase of the CML. Options may be:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
Canadian Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.ca
Provincial Health Services Authority
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca
Breccia M, Efficace F. Are chronic myeloid leukemia patients ready to stop long-term treatment? Leuk Lymphoma. 2017;58(12):2976-2978.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chronic-myeloid-leukemia.html. Accessed March 24,2021.
Chronic myeloid leukemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-myeloid-leukemia-cml . Accessed March 24, 2021.
General information about chronic myelogenous leukemia. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/cml-treatment-pdq. Accessed March 24, 2021.
Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP