Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, or CLL, is cancer affecting the Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells, causing them to multiply and act abnormally. A disease occurring predominantly in males, it has an ASR (Age-Standardized Rate) of 4.7 per 1, 00,000. The average age is 65-70 at the time of diagnosis, but people from all age groups are affected by it, although rarely.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of CLL are enlarged lymph nodes, felt as lumps under the skin, which occur at the neck, armpits, groin or stomach. Other symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Exhaustion
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Fever and infection
- Pain or feeling ‘full’ below the ribs or belly
Causes and Risk Factors
Like most cancers, doctors in most cases do not know the cause of CLL, except the fact that it has something to do with mutation. Risk Factors, other than the age above 55-60, are:
- History of blood or marrow cancers in the family
- Exposure to chemicals
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends upon the type of cancer and its stage, and factors such as the patient’s age, health are taken into consideration. Because CLL progresses quite slowly, treatment might not be given right away. These are the main treatments used:
- Chemotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibodies (antibodies that attach to certain cells causing the immune-system to attack those cells)
- Targeted Therapy (low-dose radiation)
- Stem-cell Transplant
- Surgery
It is always advised to admit yourself to a medical institution or hospital with experts that specialize in the field of your condition, for example, Paras Hospitals group. Doing so will help you get the extensive treatment, care and management you or your loved ones need.
