Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Diagnosis

Diagnosing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

If you suspect you may have chronic myeloid leukemia, you should schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may first conduct a physical exam during which he or she will feel for lymph nodes, particularly around the spleen.

If your doctor suspects a serious condition, he or she may then order a complete blood count (CBC) test. This test will determine the different types of cells in your blood and will reveal any abnormalities.

Depending on the results of the blood test, your doctor may perform a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy to determine how much, if any, leukemia is present in the bone marrow.

Tests to look for the Philadelphia chromosome may be performed at this time. One test, known as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), is a particularly sensitive test that is used to detect the Philadelphia chromosome. Another test, known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), is even more targeted and may detect cells that are not discovered by the FISH test.

Seeking Treatment Options for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?

If you received a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia and are looking for information about innovative treatment options, please call 888-841-9129.

Our Oncology Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day to provide information about leading-edge conventional treatments and complementary therapies offered at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). You can also chat online with an oncology information specialist.

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