Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a cancer that originates in the bone marrow, the soft tissue found within bones that aids in blood cell formation. Chronic myelogenous leukemia targets cells that will eventually produce white blood cells, according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Chronic myelogenous leukemia commonly affects middle-aged adults and children. The condition occurs in one to two people per 100,000. Identifying the symptoms early can help improve treatment and extend the life of the patient.
Loss of Weight
Patients suffering from chronic myelogenous leukemia often experience an unexplained weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. This weight loss occurs even if the patient is not actively trying to lose weight. Patients will also experience a loss of appetite, or anorexia, that will contribute to the weight loss. The weight loss may be due to the extra energy used by the cancer.
Anemia and Bleeding Problems
Chronic myelogenous leukemia has numerous affects on the blood cells, according to the American Cancer Society. The cancer cells replace the normal blood cells, and these leukemic cells are non-functional. One of the cells affected is the red blood cell. Without functioning red blood cells, patients will experience a condition called anemia. Anemia can cause weakness, fatigue, and abnormally pale skin.
Patient may also develop excess bleeding and bruising. This symptom is caused by a decrease in platelets, which are the cells in charge of clotting blood. A deficiency of platelets is called thrombocytopenia. Patients with this condition may also experience bleeding gums and frequent nosebleeds.
Abdominal Discomfort
A sense of pressure or discomfort in the abdominal area is a common symptom of chronic myelogenous leukemia, reports Medline Plus. The pain is often located just below the ribs on the left side of the patient. This is the area where the spleen is located. The spleen filters out abnormal red blood cells, and therefore, filters out the numerous cancer cells. The spleen becomes saturated with the leukemic cells and begins to swell. This causes the abdominal discomfort.
Dysfunction in White Blood Cells
Chronic myelogenous leukemia does increase the production of white blood cells, but these cells are abnormal and non-functional. Thus, patients have a deficiency of functional white blood cells, states the American Cancer Society. The white blood cell most commonly affected is the neutrophil, which is effective in combating bacterial infections. This deficiency can make the patient more susceptible to bacterial and parasitic infection.
