Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
What's the scoop?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Bone marrow is tissue located inside the bone that has a spongey texture and is known as the area where blood cells are made. The word "lymphocytic" in the name refers to the white blood cells called lymphocytes which is where ALL develops.
Who's more at risk?
The cancer usually affects people above the age of 70 and statistically affects white people more than other races.
CLL is different from other types of leukemias because the term chronic typically means that it grows more slowly. CLL might not show any symptoms in some people, however for people who do experience symptoms they might include some or all of the ones listed below.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If diagnosed with CLL, the doctor will do staging to determine how far along the cancer is which might include additional blood work, biopsies or scans.
Usually with early stages of CLL there is no treatment necessary because it hasn't been proved to extend a person's life. If this is the case, the medical professional will still continue to monitor the cancer for any changes which then might prompt the start of treatment.
More advanced stages might have treatment including
- chemotherapy
- targeted drug therapy
- immunotherapy
- bone marrow transplant
To prevent and treat any complications that may develop from the cancer such as frequent infections, your medical professional might recomment certain vaccinations and look for infections in routine check ups.
What's the scoop?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Bone marrow is tissue located inside the bone that has a spongey texture and is known as the area where blood cells are made. The word "lymphocytic" in the name refers to the white blood cells called lymphocytes which is where ALL develops.
Who's more at risk?
The cancer usually affects people above the age of 70 and statistically affects white people more than other races.
CLL is different from other types of leukemias because the term chronic typically means that it grows more slowly. CLL might not show any symptoms in some people, however for people who do experience symptoms they might include some or all of the ones listed below.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If diagnosed with CLL, the doctor will do staging to determine how far along the cancer is which might include additional blood work, biopsies or scans.
Usually with early stages of CLL there is no treatment necessary because it hasn't been proved to extend a person's life. If this is the case, the medical professional will still continue to monitor the cancer for any changes which then might prompt the start of treatment.
More advanced stages might have treatment including
- chemotherapy
- targeted drug therapy
- immunotherapy
- bone marrow transplant
To prevent and treat any complications that may develop from the cancer such as frequent infections, your medical professional might recomment certain vaccinations and look for infections in routine check ups.
Symptom list:
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
