Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Understanding CLL
CLL is characterized by the bone marrow producing too many lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that are crucial for the immune system. In CLL, these cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells.
Key Features of CLL
- Slow Progression: CLL typically progresses slowly, often over many years.
- Blood and Bone Marrow Cancer: It primarily affects the blood and bone marrow.
- Abnormal Lymphocytes: The disease involves the overproduction of abnormal lymphocytes.
Disease Progression
The uncontrolled production of these abnormal lymphocytes leads to a range of issues, including:
- Crowding of healthy cells: This can result in anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and an increased risk of infections.
- Lymph node enlargement: Swollen lymph nodes can occur as the abnormal lymphocytes accumulate.
- Organ involvement: In advanced stages, CLL can affect other organs such as the spleen and liver.
In summary
CLL is a blood and bone marrow cancer where too many abnormal lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow. It generally gets worse slowly over time.
