Question 1

What is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells, causing overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. It is caused by a genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome, which leads to uncontrolled growth of myeloid cells in the bone marrow. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important initial test for CML diagnosis because it detects elevated white blood cell counts and increased myelocytes.

Question 2

What causes Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia is caused by a genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome, which forms when parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 swap places. This abnormal chromosome produces a protein called BCR-ABL that signals bone marrow cells to produce too many white blood cells. The exact reason why this genetic change occurs is unknown, though exposure to high doses of radiation may increase risk. Unlike some cancers, CML is not inherited and does not run in families.

Question 3

What is the best test for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is the most important initial test for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia because it detects elevated white blood cell counts and increased levels of immature myelocytes in the blood. This test evaluates all blood cell types including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, revealing the characteristic abnormalities of CML. If the CBC shows suspicious results, your doctor will typically order additional specialized tests like a bone marrow biopsy and genetic testing for the Philadelphia chromosome to confirm the diagnosis and determine the phase of the disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent unexplained symptoms like fatigue, night sweats, unintentional weight loss, fever without infection, bone pain, or feeling full after eating small amounts. Many people with early-stage CML have no symptoms and discover it through routine blood work, so regular health screenings are important. If you notice an enlarged spleen (feeling of fullness or pressure on the left side of your abdomen), easy bruising or bleeding, or frequent infections, testing should be done promptly. Anyone with abnormal results on a routine CBC should follow up with additional testing to rule out CML.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Early-stage CML often causes no symptoms, and many people discover they have it during routine blood work. As the disease progresses, you might experience fatigue and weakness, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fever, bone or joint pain, and feeling full quickly when eating. An enlarged spleen is common and can cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the left upper abdomen. Other symptoms include easy bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, and pale skin. Some people notice small red spots on the skin or experience vision problems due to changes in blood flow.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

CML can affect anyone, but certain factors increase risk. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 50 to 60, and men are slightly more likely to develop it than women. Exposure to high doses of radiation, such as from radiation therapy for other cancers or nuclear accidents, increases CML risk. Unlike many cancers, CML is not hereditary and does not run in families. Most people diagnosed with CML have no identifiable risk factors, and lifestyle factors like diet, smoking, or alcohol use have not been linked to the disease.

Question 7

What happens if Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated CML progresses through three phases, becoming increasingly dangerous. The disease typically starts in a chronic phase, then advances to an accelerated phase with more severe symptoms and harder-to-control blood cell counts. Eventually, it can progress to a blast crisis, which resembles acute leukemia and is life-threatening. Without treatment, the blast crisis phase causes severe complications including serious infections, uncontrolled bleeding, extreme fatigue, and organ damage from infiltration of leukemia cells. Modern targeted therapies can effectively control CML when started early, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential for long-term survival.

Question 8

Can Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

A blood test is the critical first step in diagnosing CML, but complete diagnosis requires multiple tests. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential can detect the abnormal white blood cell counts and increased myelocytes characteristic of CML. However, blood tests alone cannot definitively confirm CML. Your doctor will need to perform additional tests including bone marrow biopsy to examine cell production directly and genetic testing to detect the Philadelphia chromosome and BCR-ABL gene mutation that confirms CML. Blood chemistry tests may also be ordered to check organ function and monitor treatment effectiveness once diagnosis is established.

Question 9

How is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia treated?

Accepted Answer

CML is primarily treated with targeted therapy drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib (Gleevec), dasatinib, and nilotinib, which specifically block the abnormal BCR-ABL protein that causes the disease. These oral medications are highly effective and have transformed CML from a life-threatening disease to a manageable chronic condition for most patients. For people who do not respond to TKIs or whose disease progresses, options include stem cell transplant, which is the only potential cure, interferon therapy, or clinical trials of newer medications. Treatment is typically lifelong, with regular blood tests to monitor response and adjust therapy as needed.

Question 10

How can I prevent Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

There is no proven way to prevent CML because the genetic mutation that causes it occurs randomly and is not linked to lifestyle factors. The only known environmental risk factor is exposure to very high doses of radiation, so avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure is prudent, though routine medical imaging poses minimal risk. Unlike some cancers, CML is not associated with diet, smoking, alcohol use, or other controllable lifestyle factors. Since most cases have no identifiable cause or risk factors, prevention is not possible. The best approach is maintaining regular health checkups with routine blood work, which can detect CML early when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my health with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Accepted Answer

While CML requires medical treatment with targeted therapy, lifestyle strategies can support your overall health during treatment. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to maintain strength and support your immune system. Get adequate rest and manage fatigue by pacing activities and taking breaks when needed. Practice good hygiene and avoid people who are sick to reduce infection risk, as CML and its treatments can weaken your immune system. Stay physically active with gentle exercise like walking or yoga to maintain energy and mood. Keep all medical appointments and take medications exactly as prescribed, and communicate openly with your healthcare team about any side effects or concerns.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Blood Test

What is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

What causes Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

What is the best test for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

When should I get tested for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

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