Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
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Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), also known as chronic myeloid or chronic myelocytic leukemia, is a malignant cancer of the myeloid line of cells in the bone marrow that results in the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow, blood, and body tissues. It is estimated that about 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with CML each year. CML affects males more than females and usually occurs in middle age adults. Although children can also develop the disease, childhood cases of CML account for only about 2% of all people who develop the condition. The exact cause of CML is not known but research over the past 40 years has expanded our understanding of the genetic and molecular events that lead to the development of CML. The major genetic abnormality that is observed in the marrow cells of more than 90% of patients with CML is the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. Many patients in the early stages of CML have no symptoms while others may have non-specific symptoms such as generalized fatigue, fever, night sweats, or an enlarged spleen. In many cases, CML is diagnosed during a routine blood test which shows an abnormal increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis). The hallmark for diagnosis of CML is demonstrating the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome in bone marrow cells. |
 Guidebook on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia |
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