Chronic myelogenous leukemia

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Tests and diagnosis

Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies Coping and support

Definition

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is an uncommon type of cancer of the blood cells. It's considered chronic leukemia because it usually progresses more slowly than acute leukemia, sometimes over the course of years.

Any type of cancer can be frightening, of course. And unfortunately, CML is not a solid tumor that can be surgically removed. But the good news is that the prognosis for people with chronic myelogenous leukemia may be improving because of new medications to treat the condition. Although a bone marrow transplant may still be an option, many people with chronic myelogenous leukemia are able to manage their condition long term with the use of chemotherapy-like pills.

In fact, people can live with this kind of cancer for many years if it goes into remission. But of course, that also means that you must find healthy ways to cope emotionally with having a serious, chronic condition.

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Symptoms