The 20 Best Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Doctors in Somalia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is cancer that starts inside the bone marrow. This is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells.

CML causes an uncontrolled growth of immature and mature cells that make a certain type of white blood cell called myeloid cells. The diseased cells build up in the bone marrow and blood.

The symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) can vary from person to person. Some people might not notice any symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they can include: 

• Fatigue 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Night sweats 

• A feeling of fullness or discomfort under the left ribcage (due to an enlarged spleen) 

• Fever 

• Bone pain 

• Frequent infections 

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a serious condition, but it usually develops slowly. Most types of cancer are given a stage to show how much the cancer has spread. However, CML is different. Instead of stages, CML is divided into 3 phases. The phase of CML depends mostly on the number of immature white blood cells – called blasts – in the blood or bone marrow.  

According to the American Cancer Society, the phases, from less serious to more serious, are: 

• Chronic phase – Most of the time, CML is in the chronic phase when it’s first found. Most people have mild symptoms or none. Treatment usually works well during this early phase.  

• Accelerated phase – Symptoms become more noticeable in this phase. The number of blasts in the blood or bone marrow increases, and treatment may need to be adjusted.  

• Blast phase – Also called acute phase or blast crisis, this phase can cause serious infections, bleeding, and anemia, which is when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. 

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is not always considered terminal (deadly). Thanks to new treatments, many people with CML can have normal life spans and high survival rates. Some people even reach remission, where cancer is no longer detectable in the body. However, CML is a chronic (lifelong) condition that requires long-term treatment and careful monitoring. 

There are several treatments available for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The most common treatment is a type of medicine called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which targets the cancer cells and stops them from growing. Other treatments might include chemotherapy, stem cell or bone marrow transplants, or participating in clinical trials. The treatment plan usually depends on the CML phase and the patient’s overall health.