In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), what is a noticeable symptom related to the spleen?

In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), splenomegaly, or an enlarged spleen, is a common and notable symptom. This enlargement occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells associated with the disease. In CML, the overproduction of myeloid cells leads to increased workload and congestion within the spleen as it attempts to filter and manage these excess cells.

Splenomegaly can present with symptoms such as discomfort or pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, a feeling of fullness, and in some cases, it may lead to early satiety due to pressure on the stomach. The presence of splenomegaly is often a key clinical finding in patients with CML and can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease's progression.

Other conditions like splenic atrophy, abscess formation, or fibrosis are not characteristic features of CML. Instead, they relate to different underlying pathology or complications that aren't typically seen in the context of CML. The focus on splenomegaly as a symptom is essential for understanding both the clinical presentation of the disease and the physiological impact of the leukemic process on the spleen.