Symptoms of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) can include tiredness, bruising and bleeding easily, frequent infections, sweating, and bone pain. Symptoms can depend on the type of CMML.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a rare type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and travels to the blood. It occurs when there is an excess of monocytes, a type of white blood cell, which affects how well the bone marrow can produce other types of blood cells.
CMML symptoms are generally nonspecific, meaning they can have numerous possible causes. If a person has concerns about these symptoms, it is important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Read on to learn more about CMML symptoms and their causes. This article also looks at managing symptoms.
Common symptoms can depend on the type of CMML.
If a person has the myelodysplastic subtype (MD-CMML), they will usually have a low blood cell count. MD-CMML can cause:
- leukopenia, which can lead to frequent infections
- anemia, which can cause fatigue and general weakness
- thrombocytopenia, which can cause easier bleeding and bruising
- petechiae, or small areas of bleeding under the skin
The myeloproliferative subtype (MP-CMML) typically occurs with high blood cell counts. It can cause:
- fatigue
- drenching night sweats
- unexplained weight loss
Uncommon symptoms of CMML include:
- itchy skin
- muscle pain
- enlarged lymph nodes
- pleural effusion, which is fluid around the lungs
Uncommon CMML symptoms that are more likely to develop with MP-CMML than MD-CMML include:
- bone pain
- enlargement of the liver
- enlargement of the spleen, which can cause a feeling of fullness below the ribs
CMML typically develops slowly, meaning someone may not experience any symptoms until the condition advances.
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The exact cause of CMML is unclear. However, symptoms develop in response to something causing an excess of monocytes to develop in the bone marrow. This affects how the bone marrow can produce other blood cells.
Symptoms of MD-CMML typically occur when the blood cell count is low, while MP-CMML symptoms usually occur when the blood cell count is high.
The main tests for CMML are blood tests and bone marrow tests.
Blood tests
Blood tests can show if there is a high number of monocytes. According to the
In some cases, monoblasts, or “blasts,” are present. These are the very early versions of monocytes that are usually only present in the bone marrow. If they are present in the blood, this can indicate a problem with how the bone marrow is working.
Bone marrow tests
If a blood test indicates the possibility of CMML, a doctor will likely order a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. This involves removing liquid from the bone marrow and taking a small bone marrow sample.
These tests can confirm the diagnosis and help medical professionals identify the type of CMML. This is necessary to determine the best type of treatment.
Learn more about bone marrow biopsies.
Receiving treatment to address CMML directly may help ease symptoms.
Treatment for CMML will
- chemotherapy
- drug therapy
- stem cell transplants
- supportive medication and transfusions
- clinical trials
A person’s doctor will also be able to recommend ways to manage specific symptoms. General tips that may help include:
- exercising gently
- resting when feeling tired
- consuming a balanced diet
Common chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) symptoms include frequent infections, fatigue, bleeding and bruising easily, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
Other signs and symptoms of CMML can include muscle and bone pain, itchy skin, enlarged lymph nodes, pleural effusion, and enlargement of the liver and spleen.
CMML typically grows slowly, so a person may not experience any symptoms until the condition worsens. Sometimes, a doctor may suspect CMML if there are atypical blood test results.
Blood tests and bone marrow biopsies can help diagnose CMML and determine the type. Types of CMML include the myelodysplastic subtype (MD-CMML) and myeloproliferative subtype (MP-CMML).
Treatments can depend on the type of CMML but may include chemotherapy, drug therapy, stem cell transplants, and supportive medications. Medical professionals can also advise on ways to manage symptoms that a person experiences.
