Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
About Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the abnormal growth of cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft spongy material contained in the center of the bones. There are several types of white blood cells normally produced by the bone marrow. These include neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monoctes. In this disease, the normal marrow production is replaced by lymphocytes that arrest development midway between mature and immature lymphocytes. The disease is slow in onset and progression. It is the most common form of leukemia in adults in the Western world.Symptoms
Symptoms include fever without an infection, night sweats, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Patients may experience fullness in the left upper abdomen from enlargement of the spleen. Some patients do not have symptoms.Tests & Diagnostics
Symptoms include fever without an infection, night sweats, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Patients may experience fullness in the left upper abdomen from enlargement of the spleen. Some patients do not have symptoms.Common tests: Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Partial throboplastin time (PTT), X-ray, Prothrombin (PT).
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment will include a combination of chemotherapies. Some patients may be selected for bone marrow transplantation. Some advanced stages patients may require a splenectomy to improve hemoglobin and platelet counts.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Family Practice · Hematology and Oncology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).