Signs and Symptoms

People who have chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may not have any symptoms at first. Often, patients learn they have CML after a routine physical exam or a blood test. CML signs and symptoms tend to develop gradually. Those with symptoms often report experiencing: 

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath during basic everyday activities
• Fever
• Bone pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs on the left side, due to an enlarged spleen
• Night sweats

Many signs and symptoms of CML occur because the CML cells crowd out the bone marrow’s healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Anemia is a lack of red blood cells that can cause weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath. A lack of normal white blood cells can increase the risk of infection, and a lack of platelets can lead to excessive bruising or bleeding. Symptoms may also occur because CML cells accumulate in organs such as the spleen. Some patients may have a high platelet count.

Related Links

• Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's free booklets:
  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
  • The CML Guide: Information for Patients and Caregivers