The diagnosis of leukemia frequenly occurs following a routine blood test that results in an abnormal blood cell count. (1) Once leukemia is suspected, the doctor may take samples of bone marrow and blood to examine cell morphology (shape). Samples are also sent to the pathology lab to identify proteins located on the surface and chromosomal and molecular changes within abnormal cells. This information is important for diagnosis, determining the prognosis, and tailoring therapy for individual patients.(2)
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