Living with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A type of blood cancer of the white blood cells called lymphocytes, usually found in adults.
Understanding B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Early signs can include swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and frequent infections. Over time it may spread to lymph nodes and organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs. It usually affects adults and usually occurs in people with no family history, though some families have been reported. It is diagnosed from symptoms and blood tests.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list. The summary describes these early signs:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Frequent infections
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation and CLL Society may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, CLL Society
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is thought to be a mix of genetic and other unknown factors. It usually occurs in people with no family history of the condition.
Also known as: b cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; b cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia; b cell cll; b cell lymphocytic leukaemia; b cell lymphocytic leukemia; b-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Patient organizations
- Aplastic Anemia and MDS International FoundationB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia · United States
- CLL SocietyB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia · United States
- American Cancer SocietyB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia · United States
- Blood Cancer UnitedB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia · United States
- HealthTree FoundationB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia · United States
- Lymphoma Research FoundationB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Explore research for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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