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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Doctors often find chronic leukemia in a routine blood test, before symptoms begin. If this happens, or if you have signs or symptoms that suggest leukemia, you may undergo the following diagnostic exams:
- Physical exam. Your doctor will look for physical signs of leukemia, such as pale skin from anemia and swelling of your lymph nodes, liver and spleen.
- Blood tests. By looking at a sample of your blood, your doctor can determine if you have abnormal levels of white blood cells or platelets — which may suggest leukemia.
- Immunophenotype. Immunophenotyping helps determine whether an increased number of lymphocytes in your blood is caused by a reactive process — such as a reaction to infection or inflammation — or a cancerous process. It also helps distinguish chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells from other types of leukemia and lymphoma.
- Cytogenetic analysis. This test detects changes in the chromosomes, including the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. It can be done using a regular microscope or a more modern lab technology called fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
- Bone marrow sample. If your doctor suspects leukemia, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in cancer (oncologist) or a doctor who specializes in blood (hematologist). This specialist can use a needle to remove a sample of your bone marrow to look for leukemia cells.
You'll need additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the type of leukemia and its extent in your body. Certain types of leukemia are classified into stages, indicating the severity of the disease. Staging helps your doctor determine a treatment plan.
