Blood Cancer Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Overview

Blood Cancer Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is characterized by the progressive accumulation of a malignant clone of functionally incompetent B cells. It is the commonest type of leukemia and affects mostly the elderly popuation.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever with or without chills, Weakness, Fatigue, Weight loss, Swollen lymph nodes, Easy bruising or bleeding, Tiny red spots on the skin, Excessive sweating, Bone pain or tenderness, Enlarged spleen or liver, Frequent or recurrent infections, Anemia

Common Causes

Causes unknown but it is postulated to be due to years of genetic defect over the cancer and healthy gene regulation

Risk Factors

Age as the elderly population is at higher risk of developing CLL, Family history of leukemia, White ethnicity, Male sex

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Blood cultures, Peripheral blood smear, Liver function test, Clotting factors, Flow cytometry, Chest X-ray, CT scan, Bone marrow test

Treatment and Prevention

Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Antibiotics for infection, Supportive therapy such as blood or platelet transfusions and IV fluids, Bone marrow or stem cell transplant