What Is CLL?
Actor portrayal
What Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
CLL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. CLL cells are found primarily in the bloodstream, the bone marrow, the lymph nodes, and the spleen. It typically progresses slowly, usually affecting older adults. Treatment for CLL isn’t always needed right after diagnosis.1,2
Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a similar disease to CLL, but with one key difference: SLL cancer cells are found mostly in the lymph nodes instead of in the blood and bone marrow.3
What Causes CLL?
To understand CLL better, it may be helpful to review some basics about blood and how CLL can interfere with the important function of your blood cells.4-10
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of CLL?
Some people with CLL don’t have symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms often develop gradually, with those who are affected seeing little to no changes in their health for years.
Some signs and symptoms of CLL include4:
People with CLL may also experience aches, fever, and night sweats.
CLL Quick Facts
If you have CLL, you are not alone.11
What Are the Risk Factors for CLL?
There are a few known risk factors for CLL, including11-13:
Gender
CLL is almost twice as common in men as in women.
Age
About 90% of people diagnosed with CLL are over 50 years old, and the median age of diagnosis is 70.
Family history
Most people living with CLL do not have a family history of CLL, although 5% have a relative who has had some kind of leukemia.
Race/ethnicity
In the US, CLL is more common among Caucasians as compared to African American and Asian populations. The risk of CLL is also higher for people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Exposure to certain hazards
Exposure to large amounts of radiation and certain chemicals (Agent Orange, for example) has been linked to CLL.
How Is CLL Diagnosed?
Your primary doctor may recognize the signs and symptoms of CLL but may refer you to a specialist doctor called a hematologist-oncologist for diagnosis. This type of doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers.9
Navigating Your CLL Diagnosis
It’s important to ask your doctor about the types of tests you’ll need and how often you’ll need to have them. This may include genetic testing, which can provide critical information about your specific CLL type and help your doctor create a personalized treatment plan for you.9
The results of diagnostic testing can help your doctor “stage” your CLL or SLL. Staging is a rating that provides your doctor with a way to understand the expected outcome of your cancer. It may also help your doctor decide when it’s time to start discussing treatment.9,14
Learning From Genetic Markers for CLL
We have many genetic markers on each of our 46 chromosomes. A genetic marker is a specific sequence of DNA that is identifiable at a known spot on a chromosome.16
Once your doctor knows your type of CLL, potential treatment options may become clearer. Certain treatments have been shown to work better than others based on the type of CLL. Talk to your doctor to understand how genetic testing fits into your unique CLL care plan.9,18
Staying Connected to Your Care
If coping with CLL seems like a lot to bear, remember that you are not alone.
can go a long way in helping you feel supported and confident in the steps you take to manage your CLL.9
Set your CLL therapy goals with your healthcare team
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Outlook for People
Living with CLL