Many people with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) have no symptoms. Often the disease is diagnosed after a routine blood test shows a high white blood cell count. In the early stages, symptoms tend to be mild and develop slowly.
Symptoms may include:
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin
- pain and/or feeling full after eating only a small amount – caused by an enlarged spleen
- tiredness – caused by a low red blood cell count (anaemia)
- frequent and persistent infections – caused by low levels of normal white blood cells (neutropenia) leading to lowered immunity or few protective antibodies to help fight infections
- bruising or bleeding – caused by low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- drenching night sweats
- high temperature (fever) without any other signs of infection
- unexplained weight loss.
Not everyone with these symptoms has chronic leukaemia, but if you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to see your doctor.
The lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, which protects the body against infection.
→ READ MORE: Diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
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More resources
Dr Chun Kei Kris Ma, Clinical Haematologist, Western Sydney Local Health District (clinical update); Delphine Eggen, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Karl A Jobburn, Haematology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Liverpool Hospital; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Hospital; Jennifer Paton, Consumer.
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