Site Map

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

CLL; Leukemia - chronic lymphocytic (CLL); Blood cancer - chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Bone marrow cancer - chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Lymphoma - chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are found in the bone marrow and other parts of the body. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells.

CLL causes a slow increase in a certain type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancer cells spread through the blood and bone marrow. CLL can also affect the lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver and spleen. CLL eventually can cause the bone marrow to lose its function.

Images

Causes

The cause of CLL is unknown. There is no link to radiation. It is unclear if certain chemicals can cause CLL. Exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War has been linked to a slight increased risk for developing CLL.

CLL usually affects older adults, especially those over age 60. People under age 45 rarely develop CLL. CLL is more common in whites than in other ethnic groups. It is more common in men than in women. Some people with CLL have family members with the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop slowly. CLL often does not cause symptoms at first. It may be found by blood tests done in people for other reasons.

Symptoms of CLL may include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
• Excessive sweating, night sweats
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Infections that keep coming back (recur), despite treatment
• Loss of appetite or becoming full too quickly (early satiety)
• Weight loss

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Tests to diagnose CLL may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) with blood cell differential. 
• Flow cytometry test of the white blood cells.
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is used to look at and count genes or chromosomes. This test may help diagnose CLL or guide treatment.
• Testing for other gene changes may help predict how well the cancer will respond to treatment.

People with CLL usually have a high white blood cell count.

Tests that look at changes in the DNA inside the cancer cells may also be done. Results from these tests and from staging tests help your provider determine your treatment.

Treatment

If you have early stage CLL, your provider will just monitor you closely. Treatment is not generally given for early-stage CLL, unless you have:

• Infections that keep coming back
• Leukemia that is rapidly getting worse
• Low red blood cell or platelet counts
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, or night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes

Targeted therapy and sometimes chemotherapy are used to treat CLL. Your provider will determine which type of medicines are right for you.

Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions may be required if blood counts are low.

Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may be used in younger people with advanced or high-risk CLL. A transplant is the only therapy that offers a potential cure for CLL, but it also has risks. Your provider will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

You and your provider may need to manage other concerns during your leukemia treatment, including: 

• Managing your pets during chemotherapy
• Bleeding problems
• Dry mouth
• Eating enough calories
• Safe eating during cancer treatment

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Your provider can discuss with you the outlook of your CLL based on its stage and how well it responds to treatment.

Possible Complications

Complications of CLL and its treatment may include:

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed by the immune system
• Bleeding from low platelet count
• Hypogammaglobulinemia, a condition in which there is a lower level of antibodies than normal, which can increase the risk of infection.
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder
• Infections that keep coming back (recur)
• Fatigue that can range from mild to severe
• Other cancers, including a much more aggressive lymphoma (Richter transformation)
• Side effects of targeted therapy and chemotherapy

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact a provider if you develop enlarged lymph nodes or unexplained fatigue, bruising, excessive sweating, or weight loss.

Related Information

Malignancy
Immunodeficiency disorders
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Antibody
Bone marrow transplant
Bone marrow transplant - discharge

References

Awan FT, Byrd JC. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff''s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 99.

National Cancer Institute website. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/cll-treatment-pdq. Updated September 6, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Version 3.2022. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/cll.pdf. Updated June 3, 2022. Accessed June 27, 2022.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 1/25/2022  

Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Health Content Provider 06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.