Overview
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in your body.
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- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Overview
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It usually gets worse slowly. CLL is one of the most common types of Leukemia in adults. It often occurs during or after middle age; it rarely occurs in children.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health and confirm your diagnosis.
In some cases a lymph node biopsy and or bone marrow biopsy may be performed to obtain more information about your diagnosis.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed. This information is critical to finding the best treatment option for you given your goals and lifestyle needs.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-leukemia
Commonly Searched Questions
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Recurrence Rate
The recurrence rate for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) can vary widely based on several factors, including the specific characteristics of the disease and the treatments received.
General Recurrence Information:
- For Patients in Remission: Even after successful treatment, CLL often recurs. Studies suggest that CLL may return in a significant number of patients, with estimates ranging from 30% to 70% depending on factors such as the stage of the disease and the effectiveness of the initial treatment.
- Relapse Risk: The risk of relapse is higher in patients with more aggressive forms of CLL or those who have been treated with less effective therapies.
Because CLL is a chronic condition, ongoing monitoring is crucial to manage and address recurrences effectively. For personalized information and management strategies, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Source: www.cancer.gov
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Definition
Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most common Leukemia in adults. It’s a type of cancer that starts in cells that become certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the bone marrow. The cancer (Leukemia) cells start in the bone marrow but then go into the blood.
Source: www.cancer.gov
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Prevention
There are no specific prevention strategies for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) since its exact causes are not fully understood and involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, general strategies that may help lower the risk of various cancers, including CLL, include:
- Avoid Exposure to Known Carcinogens: Reduce exposure to harmful substances like certain chemicals and pesticides.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity.
- Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke, as tobacco use is linked to various cancers.
- Manage Existing Health Conditions: Effectively manage any chronic health conditions that may contribute to cancer risk.
While these measures do not specifically target CLL, they can contribute to overall health and potentially lower cancer risk. For personalized advice and risk management, consulting with a healthcare provider is important.
Source: Cancer.gov
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Survival Rate
The average five-year survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is 87.9%.
According to SEER data, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia has a survival rate of 87.9%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is 87.9%, it means that patients who have that cancer are, on average, about 87.9% as likely as patients who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.
Source: Cancer.gov
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia include:
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes 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
Source: www.cancer.gov
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Treatment
There are six types of treatment used:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy with bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplant
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Watchful waiting
Source: www.cancer.gov