General Information About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where white blood cells called 'lymphocytes', which are part of the immune system, are produced incorrectly in the bone marrow and multiply excessively, suppressing healthy blood cells.
Acute leukemias progress very quickly and aggressively within days or weeks and require immediate intervention. CLL, on the other hand, is chronic; it progresses insidiously and very slowly over months or even years.
It usually does not show symptoms in the early stages and is found incidentally in routine blood tests. As it progresses, painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin, extreme fatigue, night sweats, and frequent infections are observed.
Yes. Cancerous cells can accumulate in the spleen and liver as well as the lymph nodes, causing these organs to enlarge (splenomegaly/hepatomegaly), leading to fullness in the abdomen and a feeling of early satiety.
It is suspected when the lymphocyte ratio is extremely high in a Complete Blood Count. The definitive diagnosis is made by 'Flow Cytometry' (analysis of cell surface markers) performed on blood or bone marrow.
Because the disease progresses slowly, medication is not given in the early stages; it is only monitored at regular intervals (wait and see). When anemia starts, when lymph nodes/spleen enlarge too much, or when complaints increase, targeted drugs (BTK inhibitors) and chemotherapy are started.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
