NCIt related terms : chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia;
NCIt definition : A phase of chronic myeloid leukemia in which the peripheral blood smear shows leukocytosis
due mainly to neutrophils in different stages of maturation. Blasts usually account
for less than 2% of the white blood cells counts. The platelet count is normal or
increased. Thrombocytopenia is very uncommon during the chronic phase. Most patients
have mild anemia. The bone marrow biopsy is hypercellular due to increased numbers
of neutrophils and their precursors. Blasts usually account for fewer than 5% of the
marrow cells, and more than 10% indicates transformation to the accelerated phase.
Megakaryocytes are smaller than normal and have hypolobated nuclei. The spleen is
enlarged due to infiltration of the cords of the red pulp by granulocytes. Most patients
with chronic myelogenous leukemia are diagnosed in the chronic phase, which usually
has an insidious onset and may last from several months to several years. (WHO, 2001);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia in which fewer than 10% of the
cells in the blood and bone marrow are blast cells (immature blood cells). This phase
may last from several months to several years, and there may be no symptoms of leukemia.;