Description Chronic myelogenous...
Description
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is the growth of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft spongy material contained in the center of the bones. There are several types of white blood cells normally produced by the bone marrow. These include neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. In this disease, the bone marrow makes more than the usual number of immature neutrophils and releases them into the blood stream. This over-growth of cells prevents the normal production of normal blood cells. Over ninety percent of cases come from a specific genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome. The disease is most common in middle-aged individuals.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include fever without infection, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, frequent nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. Patients may experience fullness in the left upper abdomen from enlargement of the spleen.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often made when an abnormal blood count is noted on the lab test called a CBC. Tests used to confirm the diagnosis include flow cytometry of a blood sample or a bone marrow biopsy.
Tests:
Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often made when an abnormal blood count is noted on the lab test called a CBC. Tests used to confirm the diagnosis include flow cytometry of a blood sample or a bone marrow biopsy.
Tests:
Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Treatment
Most of often patients are treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, such as Treatment will include a combination of chemotherapies. Other potential treatments include interferon, imatinib (Gleevec), dasatinib (Sprycel), or nilotinib (Tasigna). Some patients may be selected for bone marrow transplantation.