Chronic myelogenous leukemia is widespread in adults, unlike children, as it rarely affects them. It is one of the diseases that does not show clear and specific symptoms, as it can be discovered by chance, unlike other types of cancer that are accompanied by clear symptoms. However, it is necessary to go to the treating physician as soon as the disease is discovered in order to undergo immediate treatment, while being careful to choose the appropriate center such as Al Mousa Specialized Center, especially since receiving treatment early plays a major role in the speed of recovery. For more details about this disease, follow the article with us until the end. 

What is chronic myelogenous leukemia?

It is a type of cancer of the bone marrow, which is a spongy tissue found inside the bones and whose role is to produce blood cells. 

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is known as leukemia, and this disease causes an increase in the proportion of white blood cells in the blood. 

Note that there are many types of leukemia, but the chronic type is a type that develops more slowly than other types of acute leukemia. 

In addition, the word myeloid refers to one of the types of cells affected by this disease. 

It is one of the diseases that rarely affects children because it is more common in adults, but there is a high possibility of it affecting a fair number of age groups. 

Modern medical developments have contributed to the rapid diagnosis of cases, the initiation of treatment, and the recovery of large numbers of them. 

Symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a disease that does not have clear symptoms. But there are some symptoms that appear on the patient that indicate it, the most important of which are the following:

• Obvious pain in the bones. 
• Bleeding. 
• Feeling exhausted and tired. 
• Loss of energy. 
• High temperature as well as low-grade fever. 
• Decreased food intake and early satiety. 
• Unexplained weight loss. 
• Some bruises appear. 
• Increased number of white blood cells. 
• Liver enlargement. 
• Increase in anemia. 
• Low exercise tolerance. 
• Abdominal pain, specifically in the left quadrant of the abdomen. 
• Excessive sweating, especially during sleep. 

If you exhibit any of these symptoms Book your consultation at Oncology center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Causes of chronic myelogenous leukemia

There are many causes of chronic myelogenous leukemia, including all of the following:

• Due to a genetic change in stem cells, which increases the production rate of white blood cells compared to red cells, knowing that white blood cells are not fully developed. 
• This, in addition to exposure to radiation, especially when doses are high, causes this. 
• Aging is a major factor in developing chronic myelogenous leukemia.
•  Gender affects the incidence of chronic myelogenous leukemia, as it is more common in males than in females, and the reason for this has not yet been determined. 

You can read Lymphocytic leukemia symptoms, causes and treatment methods

How is chronic myelogenous leukemia diagnosed?

Chronic myelogenous leukemia can be diagnosed through several different methods, which are as follows:

1.Physical examination

 The patient undergoes a physical examination by the treating physician in order to discover any signs of chronic myelogenous leukemia, such as swelling in the abdomen, especially on one side only, and other symptoms that appear evident to the patient.

• Biopsy : During which a sample of bone marrow is taken and a careful examination is performed in order to search for the presence of any cancer cells in it. The condition and the extent of the disease’s development are identified through this examination.

• Philadelphia chromosome tests: The Philadelphia chromosome is considered one of the first signs that indicate the presence of chronic myelogenous leukemia, and tests are done to search for this chromosome.

• Blood tests : The patient undergoes some blood tests that show the presence of any defect or deformity in the blood cells, or an increase in the number of white blood cells over red, or other signs that indicate the possibility of suffering from chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Methods of treating chronic myelogenous leukemia

Many methods can be used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia, the most important of which are the following:

• First, bone marrow transplant: It is considered the last method for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia, as it is resorted to when all other methods of treatment fail. It is a process during which bone marrow is transplanted, but it is very dangerous and has many complications.
• Second, targeted therapy: It is a group of medications that are directed to eliminate cancer cells, especially the property that helps these cells multiply, and this type of treatment is considered one of the most prominent methods that are followed in order to eliminate this disease.
• Third, chemotherapyThis method is used in advanced cases of the disease, as it targets cells infected with chronic myelogenous leukemia in order to eliminate them and prevent them from multiplying, but it causes many complications, such as increased feelings of fatigue in addition to skin rashes.

Medications related to chronic myelogenous leukemia

There is an important group of medications that are used when treating chronic myelogenous leukemia, The most important of them are the following:

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are one of the most common types of medications used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. 
• Pinacinib is used when various other medications have failed. 
• Imatinib, the doctor resorts to it when the disease becomes chronic. 
• Sodium phosphate p32
• Cytarabine. 
• Nivolimb, used in cases that do not respond easily to other treatments. 
• Amitenb. 
• Hydroxyurea.

In the end, we clarify that chronic myelogenous leukemia is a serious disease that affects a significant number of people. It is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and is known as leukemia. It is a disease that is concentrated in the blood and is difficult to recognize because it does not show clear symptoms in the patient. However, immediate treatment, as well as the good choice of a medical center such as Almoosa Specialist Center, as well as the trustworthiness of the doctor contribute to the speed of recovery, so it is necessary to immediately go for treatment as soon as the disease is discovered. 

Frequently asked questions

Chronic myelogenous leukemia, is it dangerous?

Yes, it is considered a serious type of disease that may cause the patient’s death if the condition is neglected, but it can be avoided through early diagnosis and correct treatment. 

How long does a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia live?

No one can estimate the age of an acute myelogenous leukemia patient, as it depends on the degree and type of the disease and the patient’s condition, as well as the extent of response to treatment and the date of discovery of the disease, as early detection helps speed up recovery and vice versa.

Can myelogenous leukemia be cured?

Yes, chronic myelogenous leukemia can be cured, as there are some cases that have improved, but that depends on early detection of the disease and the speed of receiving the correct treatment, as well as the extent of response to treatment, the patient’s condition, and other important matters.