What is chronic myelogenous leukemia?
A person with leukemia has cancer of the white blood cells. The white blood cells multiply out of control in the bone marrow, resulting in abnormally high numbers of white blood cells in the bloodstream. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a slow growing cancer of a particular type of white blood cell, called a granulocyte. The cause of chronic myelogenous leukemia is unknown, but genetics may play a role in determining risk.

What are the symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia?
Early symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia include weakness or fatigue, anorexia, and nausea. Later symptoms include left upper abdominal pain, bone pain, easy bleeding, easy bruising, pale skin, swollen glands, and weight loss.

How does the doctor treat chronic myelogenous leukemia?
Treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia includes pain medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications to control nausea. Some may be candidates for bone marrow transplant.