CLL Leukemia Disease
What is Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia

CLL leukemia is the most common type of adult leukemia disease. Around 15,000 chronic lymphatic leukemia cancer cases are diagnosed every year in the U.S. according to the National Cancer Institute. Since it grows slowly over the years, prevention of the worsening of its symptoms is the focus of treatments.

Chronic lymphocytic affects the lymphocytes -- commonly known as white blood cells -- especially the B lymphocytes. 95% of diagnosed cases of CLL involve the B-cells.

If you have chronic lymphatic cancer, your lymphocytes are unable to perform their function of making antibodies and of fighting infection.

People with this type of leukemic disease are mostly those who are 60 years and above. Occurrence of chronic lymphocytic cancer in children is extremely rare. The deadlier type known as ALL leukemia is what affects most kids.

For more info on the other types, see Different Types of Leukemia.

Men and Caucasians are more likely to develop CLL.

A known cause of CL leukemia is exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides or insecticides and herbicides. Thus, its prevention involves practicing safety measures if you use any of these chemicals at work.

Click cancer causing agents to know the list of highly toxic and tumor-causing chemicals in the environment.

If you would like to learn the risk factors for CLL, see what causes CL leukemia.

What are CLL signs and symptoms?

Since CLL develops slowly, it doesn't exhibit early signs and symptoms. They are usually felt or seen when it has spread significantly.

The following are signs and symptoms you can expect:

• less energy and gets tired very easily

• loss of weight

• fever or night sweats

• unusual or unexplained aches or pains in the joints

• shortness of breath even during light and normal activities

• recurrent infections either on the skin or other parts of the body

• swollen spleen or lymph nodes

Related Information:

Early Leukemia Symptoms

Warning Signs of Leukemia

How is chronic lymphatic leukemic disease diagnosed?

It is easy to diagnose chronic lymphatic or CLL through a complete blood count or CBC test. An unusual level of WBCs in the blood especially if you are above 50 can mean CLL.

How is CLL treated?

Chronic lymphocytic treatment is usually a combination of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy (Rituxan and Campath). Treatment is primarily aimed at controlling it and its symptoms. It focuses on prevention of the growth of cancerous cells and on relieving the symptoms.

Since chronic lymphatic leukemia is considered incurable, doctors usually don't recommend treatment for early stage CLL. They will just monitor your condition for any significant changes especially on the symptoms.

If your symptoms become so unbearable that they have a negative effect on how you live your life, your doctor will recommend any of the treatment options for CLL leukemia.

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