Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia--also known as CMML--is a type of myelodysplastic-myeloproliferative disorder, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The incidence of this disease is estimated to be three cases per every 100,000 people older than 60 years of age. In this condition, the normal development of monocytes is altered by a gene mutation; the accumulation of abnormal monocytes interferes with the creation of normal blood cells, as noted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There are multiple symptoms that patients with CMML may present with, but testing by the physician is required to make the actual diagnosis.
Anemia
Patients with CMML often present with physical weakness and fatigue, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This may be caused by anemia which stems from the problems with normal blood cell production. Low red blood cell counts mean that less oxygen in carried to the cells of the body; other symptoms of anemia include shortness of breath and dizziness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Petechiae or Bruising
The decrease of the numbers of normal blood cells can cause other problems; the lack of normal numbers of platelets in the body may cause the formation of petechiae---point-sized spots of bleeding in the skin, as noted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The decreased numbers of platelets can also lead to easy bruising or bleeding.
Infections
Patients with CMML may present with frequent infections because of the decrease in infection-fighting white blood cells in the body. According to the website, YourCancerToday, some patients may present with a fever of unknown origin. This may be symptoms of several different types of leukemia or other conditions; the physician will use diagnostic tests to make the diagnosis.
Spleen or Liver Enlargement
Patients may present with a feeling of fullness under the ribs which could be either liver enlargement, or hepatomegaly, or spleen enlargement, which is also called splenomegaly. Hepatosplenomegaly occurs when both the liver and spleen are enlarged at the same time, as noted by Cleveland Clinic. This condition can be a symptom of CMML or other types of leukemias, and is not typically painful.
