Chronic myelocytic leukemia, which is also referred to as chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML, is a type of cancer that affects the tissue within your bones (bone marrow). This disease is believed to result from a genetic abnormality associated with a chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome, explains Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Chronic myelocytic leukemia most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60 but can develop at any age. Talk with your doctor if you exhibit any chronic myelocytic leukemia symptoms.
Fatigue and Weakness
Initially, people who have chronic myelocytic leukemia may not experience noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic). As the cancerous bone marrow cells spread, you can begin to feel abnormally tired or weak, report doctors at The Mayo Clinic. These symptoms can affect your productivity at work or school and may cause you to take frequent naps during the day.
Fever or Night Sweats
You can experience a persistent low-grade fever as a symptom of chronic myelocytic leukemia, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for health and medical professionals. Fever symptoms can also cause your head to hurt (headache) and may lead to episodes of excessive sweating--especially during the night (night sweats). Night sweats can cause you to wake frequently throughout the night and can exacerbate fatigue symptoms.
Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss
As this disease progresses, you can develop a significant decrease in your appetite, Mayo Clinic doctors explain. When this occurs, patients can begin to lose weight unintentionally, which can contribute to additional symptoms of weakness and fatigue.
Skin Discoloration and Abnormal Bleeding
Cancerous bone marrow cells interfere with the normal production of blood cells within your body. Without sufficient levels of these immune cells, your body is unable to heal normally and fight off infection. As a result, patients with the advanced form of chronic myelocytic leukemia--called the blast phase--can experience skin discoloration and abnormal bleeding as symptoms of this condition. Low levels of red blood cells in your body can cause your skin to appear abnormally pale or white. If your blood does not contain enough clotting factors due to this disease, you can experience unusual bleeding or bruising, even after sustaining only minor injuries, report health officials at Medline Plus.
Abdominal Pain or Fullness
If you have this disease, you can experience unusual sensations of pain or fullness within your abdomen immediately beneath your ribcage, explains the Merck Manual. These symptoms of chronic myelocytic leukemia are typically the result of swelling or enlargement of your spleen.
