Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that causes
the body to produce large numbers of immature and mature white blood cells
(myelocytes). It is sometimes referred to as chronic myeloid leukemia or
chronic granulocytic leukemia.
CML is more common in men than in women. It occurs more frequently
in adults in their 50s and is rarely seen in children.
Symptoms of CML include weakness and fatigue, fever, night sweats,
poor appetite, and weight loss. The spleen may become swollen and
painful.
CML is classified into three distinct phases.
- Chronic phase: In this phase, the bone marrow
fills with large numbers of abnormal white blood cells (myeloproliferation) in
various stages of maturation. Symptoms may not be present. Most cases of CML
are diagnosed during the chronic phase.
- Accelerated phase: In this
phase, the bone marrow loses its ability to function because abnormal white
blood cells crowd out other functioning cells. In this phase, treatment may not
be as effective.
- Blast crisis phase: In this phase, CML suddenly
transforms into another, more severe form of leukemia.
Treatment for CML depends on the stage of the disease and may
include chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplant.
