Living with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia
A rare, slow-growing blood cancer of T cells that usually affects people in their sixties, with anemia and low blood counts.
Understanding T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia
It causes a slow increase in T cells, which help fight infection. It usually affects people in their sixties. About one-third of people have no symptoms when diagnosed. Doctors diagnose it with a bone marrow biopsy or by sorting and counting blood or bone marrow cells.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Anemia
- Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- Low infection-fighting neutrophils (neutropenia)
- Enlarged spleen
- No symptoms in some people
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 allergy and immune system specialists, 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.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- 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 Blood Cancer United
- 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 says the exact cause is unknown.
Also known as: large cell granular lymphogenous leukaemia; large cell granular lymphogenous leukemia; large cell granular lymphoid leukaemia; large cell granular lymphoid leukemia; large granular lymphocytic leukaemia; large granular lymphocytic leukemia
Patient organizations
- Blood Cancer UnitedT-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia.
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