Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells of the bone marrow. These white blood cells are called B-lymphocytes and usually produce antibodies that help protect our bodies against disease and infection. In people with CLL, however, these B-lymphocytes become malignant.
Though CLL is a form of cancer, doctors have found it seems to occur in two ways – in some people it can remain stable for a long time – sometimes for many years – and rarely needs to be treated. In other people, though, it can multiply and become much more serious.
CLL starts in the bone marrow, where all blood cells are made. When the B-lymphocytes become cancerous, they begin to destroy or crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. Healthy blood cells in the bone marrow include blood clotting platelets, oxygen-carrying red blood cells, and infection-fighting healthy white cells.
The cancerous B-lymphocytes multiply quickly, and look almost normal – but they do not function normally. Some of these cells then leave the bone marrow and travel throughout the body in the bloodstream.
Though people with the slow-forming, stable version of CLL do not need treatment, in others, the disease makes them more susceptible to anemia, infections that won’t go away, bruising and excessive bleeding.
CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia, but it is still quite rare, accounting for about 0.8 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia.
So if it Doesn’t Need Treating, How is it Diagnosed?
Many people will not even have symptoms of the disease. It is usually discovered during a routine blood test.
Sometimes, though, symptoms may include swollen lymph glands, repeated infections, unintentional weight loss, or persistent tiredness which could indicate anemia.
Who is Likely To Be At Risk?
CLL is not a disease that strikes children or the young. It is very rare in people under 40 and is usually found in people over the age of 60. More men are diagnosed than women. Its causes are unknown, though there may be a genetic predisposition.
People diagnosed with CLL should be frequently monitored by their doctor to check for any changes.
