How does chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) typically present clinically?

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) typically presents with symptoms associated with splenomegaly, which can lead to abdominal discomfort. Patients may experience weight loss and night sweats, both of which are common constitutional symptoms in hematological malignancies. The presence of these symptoms often reflects the body's response to the disease and the increase in leukocyte levels, which can be prominent in CML.

In contrast, the other options highlight characteristics that do not accurately represent the typical clinical presentation of CML. Elevated platelets and mild symptoms can occur, but they are not definitive or characteristic of CML as primary presentations (leading to confusion regarding their relevance). CML does not predominantly occur in younger patients; it is more common in adults, typically those in their 50s and 60s. Lastly, while some patients may present with severe symptoms, CML usually develops more insidiously, leading to chronic rather than acute presentation, and many patients can be asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. This makes the choice that emphasizes weight loss, night sweats, and abdominal discomfort the most consistent with CML's clinical presentation.