Before we begin: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or CLL is cancer of the white blood cells, where abnormal cells are made. This makes it hard for the blood to do its work.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is leukemia? Leukemia is a term for cancers of the blood cells. Leukemia starts in blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow. Your bone marrow makes the cells which will develop into white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of cell has a different job:
White blood cells help your body fight infection
Red blood cells deliver oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and organs
Platelets help form clots to stop bleeding
When you have leukemia, your bone marrow makes large numbers of abnormal cells. This problem most often happens with white blood cells. These abnormal cells build up in your bone marrow and blood. They crowd out the healthy blood cells and make it hard for your cells and blood to do their work.
What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of chronic leukemia. “Chronic” means that the leukemia usually gets worse slowly. In CLL, the bone marrow makes abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). When the abnormal cells crowd out the healthy cells, it can lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding. The abnormal cells can also spread outside the blood to other parts of the body. CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. It often occurs during or after middle age. It is rare in children.
What causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? CLL happens when there are changes in the genetic material (DNA) in bone marrow cells. The cause of these genetic changes is unknown, so it’s hard to predict who might get CLL. There are a few factors that might raise your risk.
Who is at risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? It is hard to predict who will get CLL. There are a few factors that could raise your risk:
Age - your risk goes up as you get older. Most people who are diagnosed with CLL are over 50.
Family history of CLL and other blood and bone marrow diseases
Racial/ethnic group - CLL is more common in whites than in people from other racial or ethnic groups
Exposure to certain chemicals, including Agent Orange, a chemical that was used in the Vietnam War
What are the symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? In the beginning, CLL does not cause any symptoms. Later, you can have symptoms such as:
Swollen lymph nodes - you may notice them as painless lumps in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin
Weakness or feeling tired
Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs
Fever and infection
Easy bruising or bleeding
Petechiae, which are tiny red dots under the skin. They are caused by bleeding.
Weight loss for no known reason
Drenching night sweats
How is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose CLL:
A physical exam
A medical history
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) with differential and blood chemistry tests. Blood chemistry tests measure different substances in the blood, including electrolytes, fats, proteins, glucose (sugar), and enzymes. Specific blood chemistry tests include a basic metabolic panel (BMP), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), kidney function tests, liver function tests, and an electrolyte panel.
Flow cytometry tests, which check for leukemia cells and identify which type of leukemia it is. The tests can be done on blood, bone marrow, or other tissue.
Genetic tests to look for gene and chromosome changes
If you are diagnosed with CLL, you may have additional tests to see whether the cancer has spread. These include imaging tests and bone marrow tests.
What are the treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? Treatments for CLL include:
Watchful waiting, which means that you don’t get treatment right away. Your health care provider regularly checks to see if your signs or symptoms appear or change.
Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell transplant
The goals of treatment are to slow the growth of the leukemia cells and to give you long periods of remission. Remission means that the signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or have disappeared. The CLL may come back after remission, and you may need more treatment.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Also known as: CLL.
Related topics: CLL, Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic.
Categories: Cancers, Blood, Heart and Circulation, Immune System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Cancer Institute.
Key Takeaways
Understanding chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.