Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and tends to progress slowly over many years.
It mostly affects people over the age of 60 and is rare in people under 40. Children are almost never affected.
In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the spongy material found inside some bones (bone marrow) produces too many white blood cells called lymphocytes that aren't fully developed and don't work properly.
Over time this can cause a range of problems, such as an increased risk of picking up infections, persistent tiredness, swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin, and unusual bleeding or bruising.
CLL is different from other types of leukaemia, including chronic myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia.
Symptoms of CLL
CLL doesn't usually cause any symptoms early on and may only be picked up during a blood test carried out for another reason.
When symptoms develop, they may include:
getting infections often
anaemia โ persistent tiredness, shortness of breath and pale skin
bleeding and bruising more easily than normal
a high temperature (fever)
night sweats
swollen glands in your neck, armpits or groin
swelling and discomfort in your tummy
unintentional weight loss
You should visit your GP if you have any persistent or worrying symptoms. These symptoms can have other causes other than cancer, but it's a good idea to get them checked out.
Read more about diagnosing CLL and complications of CLL.
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