Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Diagnosis

A person with CML may feel ill and seek medical attention. CML may be also be diagnosed incidentally when a high white blood count or platelet count is discovered during testing for another medical condition. Patients suspected of having CML should meet with a hematologist-oncologist and have a careful interview and physical examination, followed by general tests to assess internal organ function and examination of samples from the blood and bone marrow.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

A needle can safely be inserted into a bone in the back of the pelvis to collect a sample of bone marrow for examination. A bone marrow biopsy is a relatively minor procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting with either a local anesthetic (numbing medication), or light anesthesia that eliminates pain and discomfort.

Genetic Tests

Special tests are also done on the bone marrow and sometimes the blood to look for the presence of the bcr-abl gene in cells. These tests are known as cytogenetic analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and polymerase chain rection. The presence of the bcr-abl gene and protein are essential to diagnose CML.