Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Uncommon card · No. 102466

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In CLL, the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. B cell lymphocytes can begin to collect in the blood, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow; these cells malfunction and crowd out healthy blood cells. CLL is divided into slow-growing (indolent) and fast-growing variants. Most individuals have no symptoms when they are first diagnosed with CLL. Around five to 10% of patients may experience fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, painless swelling of the lymph nodes, enlargement of the spleen, and/or anemia. These symptoms often worsen over time. Patients with CLL also have an increased risk of developing serious infections. The exact cause of CLL is unknown, but risk factors include a family history of CLL, tobacco use, or environmental exposure to Agent Orange, ionizing radiation and certain insecticides. Diagnosis is typically by...

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