Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Diagnosis & Detection
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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.
Before making a chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosis, your doctor may also 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 for chronic myeloid leukemia, 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 have received a chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosis and are looking for information about innovative treatment options, please call 1-800-615-3055.
Our Oncology Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day to provide information about leading-edge advanced treatments and supportive therapies offered at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). You can also chat online with an oncology information specialist.
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