Living with Richter syndrome
A rare change in which chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) turns into a fast-growing lymphoma.
Understanding Richter syndrome
Symptoms can include fever, loss of weight and muscle mass, belly pain, and enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Lab results may show anemia and low platelet counts, which can lead to easy bleeding and bruising.
Signs & symptoms
GARD lists these symptoms in its summary:
- Fever
- Loss of weight and muscle mass
- Belly pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen
- Anemia
- Easy bleeding and bruising
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
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- 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 American Cancer Society 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
GARD describes it as a change of CLL into a fast-growing lymphoma. It does not list a gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: richter transformation; richter's syndrome; richter's transformation
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyRichter syndrome · United States
- Lymphoma Research FoundationRichter syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Richter syndrome.
Explore research for Richter syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Richter syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Richter syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- 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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