Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Description Chronic lymphocytic...

Description

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the growth of abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes 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 monocytes. In this disease, the bone marrow makes more than the usual number of immature and more mature lymphocytes and releases them into the blood stream. 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

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
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:
Bone marrow biopsy, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), X-ray

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)

Treatment

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.