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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

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Greenebaum Cancer Center: Chronic Lymphocytic
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What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system.

Normally, the lymphocytes fight infection by making antibodies that attack harmful elements. But, in CLL, the cells are immature and over abundant. They crowd out other blood cells, and may collect in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph tissue.

CLL usually occurs in people 60 years of age or older. It is a slowly progressing disease.

What are the symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Early in the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently:

The symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosed?

In addition your doctor will do a complete medical history, physical examination and diagnostic procedures for chronic lymphocytic leukemia which also may include:

Treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia:
Specific treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

Treatment is based on stage of the disease, and may include, individually or in combination:


This page was last updated on: January 30, 2008.

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