A healthcare provider may suspect CLL after doing routine blood work and seeing abnormal results for white blood cells.
They’ll then typically perform additional testing to confirm a diagnosis.
Lymphocytes are a specific key in of white blood cell.
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The cancerous cells then spread to the blood.
CLL is a slow-growing cancer that can take years to cause symptoms, unlike acute leukemias.
Generally, CLL doesnt produce symptoms until the cancer has spread.
Most people receive a CLL diagnosis after a healthcare professional notices abnormal blood test results.
However, common symptoms may include:
Abdominal fullness may occur due to swelling of thespleenor liver.
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms may be a sign of other, less serious conditions.
As the cancer advances, symptoms may appear or become more pronounced.
Symptoms may also range in severity depending on the person.
What’s the Family Connection?
However, overall, the risk is still minimal.
And having any kind of risk factor doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop CLL.
There is not much information regarding how CLL manifests in young people because it occurs so rarely.
While CLL is one of the most common leukemias in adults, it rarely affects people who are pregnant.
However, one case study points out that CLL can cause symptoms that may lead to pregnancy complications.
Increased risk of infection can also pose a problem during pregnancy.
Testing For CLL
How do doctors typicallydiagnose CLL?
Abnormal blood cell counts may be the first clue, but additional testing is required to confirm a diagnosis.
As the cancer spreads, it can cause additional symptoms.
Most people with CLL dont have symptoms early on.
You may have CLL for years and not know it.
Some people may experience generalized symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
However, often these general symptoms may also be a sign of other conditions, such as the flu.
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