Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a condition that causes the bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells. Cancer cells cannot work normally.

These cells cannot fight infection but also will not die, thus blocking healthy cells. Lymphocytic leukemia develops from changes in lymphocyte blood cells to cancer cells. Chronic leukemia affects adult cells.

Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells. In leukemia, the spinal cord (the spongy tissue in the middle of the bone) produces too many white blood cells. Blood cells form and develop in the marrow and then move into the bloodstream.

The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cells that cause cancer. There are four types of leukemia:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia

How often does chronic lymphocytic leukemia occur?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in western countries. Generally occurs in the elderly over the age of 60 years, twice as common in women as in men.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Common symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are body aches and pains and very tired. Swollen lymph nodes or an infection that comes back due to a weakened immune system can be the first symptoms.

People may also experience nosebleeds, bruising easily, or other bleeding problems, and weakness due to anemia (lack of red blood cells or erythrocytes) or thrombocytopenia (lack of platelets or platelets).

Other symptoms at an advanced stage include difficulty breathing, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, joint pain and swelling, and fever. There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you have fever, abdominal pain, and swelling of the spleen or lymph nodes.

Cause

What causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a condition whose cause is still unknown. Cannot be transmitted but can be passed on by the family. About one-third of CLL patients have extra chromosome 13 (which produces trisomy 13).

Risk factors

What increases my risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

The risk factors for chronic lymphocytic leukemia are:

• People who are exposed to certain pesticides.
• People working with rubber or asbestos.
• There is a family history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

People without symptoms may not need treatment, but the doctor will still be watching. The doctor will refer you to a haematologist, a leukemia treatment specialist. People with symptoms will undergo chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, weakness, bleeding, a higher chance of getting infections, and other cancers. Radiation therapy to the spleen and lymphoid tissue can treat some of the symptoms. Sometimes the spleen is removed, but this does not affect normal life.

A spinal cord transplant may cure young CLL patients. Transplants replace diseased bone marrow with healthy ones. Transplantation is not commonly performed in elderly people with CLL.

What are the usual tests for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

About a quarter of patients are asymptomatic. CLL is often discovered from blood tests done for other purposes. These people have too many white blood cells, swollen glands, or a spleen (the spleen produces and stores blood cells).

The doctor may refer to other blood tests, bone marrow samples, chest x-rays, and CT scans to find out the level of CLL.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia are:

• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor for infections.
• Avoid abrasions or injuries, and use a soft toothbrush to avoid abrasions on the gums.
• Avoid dairy products, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables after chemotherapy.
• Call your doctor if you have fever, pain in the abdomen, rapid swelling of the spleen or lymph nodes, and bleeding (eg bleeding from the gums).
• Do not use aspirin or products that contain aspirin without your doctor's approval.
• Do not eat vegetables and fruits without cooking, and dairy products.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.