Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

CLL; Leukemia - chronic lymphocytic (CLL); Blood cancer - chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Bone marrow cancer - chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Lymphoma - chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The cause of CLL is unknown. There is no link to radiation. It is unclear if certain chemicals can cause CLL. Exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War has been linked to a slight increased risk of developing CLL.

CLL usually affects older adults, especially those over age 60. People under age 45 rarely develop CLL. CLL is more common in whites than in other ethnic groups. It is more common in men than in women. Some people with CLL have family members with the disease.

Symptoms usually develop slowly. CLL is often found by blood tests done in people for other reasons or who do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms of CLL may include:

• Abnormal bruising (if platelets are low)
• Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
• Excessive sweating, night sweats
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Infections that keep coming back (recur) despite treatment
• Loss of appetite or becoming full too quickly (early satiety)
• Weight loss

People with CLL usually have a high white blood cell count.

Tests to diagnose CLL may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) with blood cell differential
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Flow cytometry test of the white blood cells

If your doctor discovers you have CLL, tests will be done to see how much the cancer has spread. This is called staging.

Tests that look at changes in the DNA inside the cancer cells may also be done. Results from these tests and from staging tests help your doctor determine your treatment.

If you have early stage CLL, your doctor will just monitor you closely. Treatment is not generally given for early-stage CLL, unless you have:

• A high-risk or aggressive (grows quickly) type of CLL
• Infections that keep coming back
• Leukemia that is rapidly getting worse
• Low red blood cell or platelet counts
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, or night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes

Chemotherapy, including targeted medicines, are used to treat CLL. Your doctor will determine which type of medicines are right for you.

In rare cases, radiation is used for painful and enlarged lymph nodes.

Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions may be required if blood counts are low.

Bone marrow, or stem cell, transplantation may be used in younger people with advanced or high-risk CLL. A transplant is the only therapy that offers a potential cure for CLL, but it also has risks. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

You and your health care provider may need to manage other concerns during your leukemia treatment, including:

• Having chemotherapy at home
• Managing your pets during chemotherapy
• Bleeding problems
• Dry mouth
• Eating enough calories
• Safe eating during cancer treatment

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

How well a person does depends on the stage of the cancer. About one half of people diagnosed in the early stages of CLL live more than 12 years.

Complications of CLL and its treatment may include:

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Bleeding from low platelet count
• Hypogammaglobulinemia, a condition in which there is a lower level of antibodies than normal, which can increase the risk of infection.
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Infections that keep coming back (recur)
• Fatigue that can range from mild to severe
• Other cancers, including a much more aggressive lymphoma (Richter's transformation)
• Side effects of chemotherapy

Call a provider if you develop enlarged lymph nodes or unexplained fatigue, bruising, excessive sweating, or weight loss.