How is leukaemia diagnosed?

Leukaemia can be diagnosed from a blood test to measure the number of blood cells and look for any abnormal cells.

People with suspected leukaemia are referred to a specialist doctor, usually a haematologist.
For suspected cases of acute leukaemia, blood tests, a bone marrow test, lumbar puncture and chest x-ray may be carried out.

Diagnosing chronic leukaemia involves the same tests with the possible addition of further tests such as DNA analysis, ultrasound scans and tissue typing.

Once leukaemia has been confirmed, the doctors will decide on a course of treatment. This will be dependent on a number of factors, such as the type of leukaemia, how advanced the diseases is and the patient's general health and fitness.