Main symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) are not always obvious and can be similar to other conditions.
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages.
If you do have symptoms, they can include:
- feeling tired or weak
- bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
- looking more pale than usual – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or insides of your eyelids
- getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
- swollen glands, usually in the neck, armpits and groin
- aches and pains in your bones
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full
- night sweats
- headaches
Less common symptoms include:
- blurred vision
- swollen or painful joints
- painful erections (priapism), or erections that do not go down
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you have an erection that lasts more than 2 hours
An erection that lasts this long needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the penis.
Important
Most of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have CML. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by leukaemia, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
What happens at the GP appointment
The GP will usually examine you. This may include checking your skin for bruises, and examining any areas that are swollen or painful.
They may also arrange for a blood test.
They may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.
Find out more
Cancer Research UK: seeing your GP when you have symptoms of chronic myeloid leukaemia