HEALTH

Chronic myeloid leukemia: symptoms that could reveal the disease

Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a slowly progressing disease in which neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and monocyte cells that develop into white blood cells become cancerous and over time replace normal cells in the bone marrow. 

The disease mainly develops in adults aged between 40 and 60 years, can affect individuals of any age and both sexes, but is uncommon in children under 10 years of age. (source msdmanuals.com)

If suspected, the first test required is a blood sample, which may be followed by a bone marrow sample.

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What is chronic myeloid leukemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a slowly progressing disease in which neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and monocyte cells that develop into white blood cells become cancerous and over time replace normal cells in the bone marrow. The disease mainly develops in adults aged between 40 and 60 years, can affect individuals of any age and both sexes, but is uncommon in children under 10 years of age. (source msdmanuals.com)
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The three stages of the disease
Chronic myeloid leukaemia generally has three phases: the chronic phase that can last between 5 and 6 years and in which the disease is very slow; the accelerated phase in which symptoms worsen; and the blastic phase in which the disease worsens with complications such as severe infections and excessive bleeding.
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Initial symptoms that might reveal the disease
In the early, chronic phase, chronic myeloid leukemia may be asymptomatic. In some people, however, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite and hunger, night sweats and sense of abdominal fullness may occur. Other symptoms include itching, joint pain or ringing in the ears.
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Symptoms of advanced disease
As the disease starts to progress, symptoms such as fever and excessive sweating, weakness, pallor, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, chest pain, bruising and bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes, and rashes may appear.
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Diagnosis of the disease
In order to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible and proceed with the planned health treatments, it is absolutely necessary to seek medical attention. Initially, a blood test may be prescribed, which may be followed by a marrow sampling and diagnostic imaging tests.
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