Your family doctor (GP) will talk to you about your symptoms and arrange blood tests, if needed. If your blood test is abnormal you will be referred to hospital for more tests. Tests you might have include:
A full blood count (FBC): This finds out the levels of the different types of blood cells in your blood. This test can also give your doctor an idea of your general health. This is an important test as CML affects the blood cells.
Blood film: Your doctor may look at a blood sample under a microscope in order to determine the amount of leukaemia cells present.
Taking a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord using a needle in your lower back. The fluid will be checked for cancer cells.
Read more about lumbar punctures.
Taking a sample of your bone marrow (and maybe bone). The sample is taken from the inside of your bone, usually the hipbone. The sample is examined under a microscope to see the number and type of cells in it. You may have this test to diagnose CML and also to see how you are responding to treatment.
Read more about bone marrow biopsies.
If you are diagnosed with CML, we're here for you.
Our cancer nurses are here if you need information or just want to talk. They can help you to understand your diagnosis and what to expect, send you information and tell you about our services.
You may need further tests to give your doctors more information about your general health and about the cancer. For example:
Chromosome testing looks at how DNA is laid out and organised within a cell. DNA is a molecule that contains all of our genetic information. Tests can be done on your blood and/or bone marrow.
Chromosome tests detect big mistakes in the layout of the cell’s genetic material. For example, they can tell your doctor if you have the Philadelphia chromosome genetic abnormality.
Chromosome tests can help with planning your treatment. For example, people with the Philadelphia chromosome can have treatment with targeted therapy drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which are usually very effective at controlling CML in the chronic phase.
This is a very sensitive blood test that detects the amount of the abnormal BCR-ABL1 gene in your blood. The BCR-ABL1 gene is produced because of the Philadelphia chromosome - a gene change that is common with CML.
Immunophenotyping is a test that checks what kind of proteins or markers are on the surface of the leukaemia cells. This tells doctors more about your CML. This test can be done on cells from your blood or your bone marrow.
ECG: Sensors are attached to your skin and they can pick up the signals produced by your heart when it beats.
Echocardiogram (‘echo’ scan): This is a type of ultrasound that can produce a moving image of your heart at work and nearby blood vessels. It gives information about your heart’s size and function, for example, how well the heart is pumping.
This is a scan that uses sound waves to look at organs and tissues in your body. A small device like a microphone is moved back and forth over your skin to take the scan. The scan pictures can show abnormal changes, such as changes in the size of the spleen.
Read more about ultrasound scans.
A type of X-ray that gives a detailed picture of the tissues inside your body.
Read more about CT scans.
The tests you have can:
Some tests may be used see how you are responding to treatment.
You may have to wait for up to 4-6 weeks for all the test results to come back. Waiting for results can be an anxious time. It may help to talk things over with your doctor or nurse or with a relative or close friend. You can also call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre to speak to a cancer nurse.
Irish Cancer Society Head office, 43/45 Northumberland Road Dublin, D04 VX65
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