Chronic monocytic leukemia

Chronic Monocytic Leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. CML is a slow-growing form of leukemia, where the body produces too many monocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Overview

CML is a subtype of chronic myeloid leukemia, which is a broader category of leukemia that affects myeloid cells. In CML, the overproduction of monocytes leads to a number of health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of CML include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Some patients may also experience pain or a feeling of fullness in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen.

Diagnosis

CML is typically diagnosed through a series of tests, including blood tests, bone marrow tests, and cytogenetic analysis. The Philadelphia chromosome, a genetic abnormality, is present in most cases of CML.

Treatment

Treatment options for CML include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, and biological therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's overall health, the stage of the disease, and the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome.

Prognosis

The prognosis for CML has improved significantly in recent years, largely due to the development of targeted therapies. However, the disease can still be life-threatening, particularly if it progresses to a more aggressive form of leukemia.

See also

• Leukemia
• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• Monocyte
• Philadelphia chromosome