Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

These may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. See a doctor if you have any of the following:

• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs
• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Enlargement of the liver or spleen
• Unexplained bleeding or unusual bruising

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Swelling of the liver; spleen will be looked for. The doctor will also look for swelling in lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck. You will likely be referred to an oncologist. This is a doctor who focuses on treating cancer.

Tests may include the following:

• Blood tests— to check for changes in the number or appearance of different types of blood cells
• Bone marrow aspiration—removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow to test for cancer cells
• Bone marrow biopsy —removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow and a small piece of bone to test for cancer cells
• Routine microscopic exam——examination of a sample of blood, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid
• Bone, blood marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid tests—to distinguish among types of leukemia
• Cytogenetic analysis—to look for certain changes of the chromosomes (most often to test for Philadelphia chromosome)
• Chest x-ray —may detect signs of lung infection
• CT scan —type of x-ray uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
• MRI scan —uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
• Ultrasound —uses sound waves to examine masses and organs inside the body