What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas
 

Many patients (50 percent) with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have no symptoms at diagnosis. CML is discovered accidentally during a routine blood test or physical examination.

The following are the most common symptoms of CML. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Pain in the abdomen or a mass on the left side (enlarged spleen)
  • Anemia
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Fever
  • Persistent weakness
  • Aches in bones and joints
  • Swollen lymph nodes

The symptoms of CML may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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