Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system.
Normally, the lymphocytes fight infection by making antibodies that attack harmful elements. But, in CLL, the cells are immature and overabundant. They crowd out other blood cells, and may collect in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph tissue.
According to the American Cancer Society, of the 34,810 leukemia cases expected in 2005, CLL will account for 9,730 cases.
What are the symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
Early in the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- persistent weakness
- swollen lymph nodes
- enlarged spleen
- enlarged liver
- anemia
The symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for chronic lymphocytic leukemia may include the following:
- additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures
- bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy - a procedure that involves taking a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue (called a core biopsy), usually from the hip bones, to be examined for the number, size, and maturity of blood cells and/or abnormal cells.
- spinal tap/lumbar puncture - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia:
Specific treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- stage of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- monoclonal antibodies (Rituxan or Campath)
- treatment for complications, such as infection or anemia
- leukapheresis - a procedure to remove excess lymphocytes from the body.
- bone marrow transplantation
- splenectomy - surgery to remove the spleen.
|
Rush University Medical Center Leukemia Program
Rush offers a comprehensive approach to the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of people with all forms of acute and chronic leukemia. In addition to a full range of standard treatments, many patients participate in studies of promising new approaches.
Rush also offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for people with pre-leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Rush cares for more patients with this condition than any other program in the United States. This program emphasizes the development and study of innovative treatments, including nontoxic therapies designed to slow the progression of the disease and prevent the development of leukemia, with minimal side effects for patients.
Click here for more information on the Leukemia Program at Rush.
|
|
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Programs at
Rush University Medical Center in Chicago
At Rush, we offer a range of standard and investigational therapies for the treatment of cancer. We have more than a dozen programs specializing in the treatment of specific cancers, including:
Rush cancer programs are approved by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Only one in four hospitals that treat cancer receive this special approval.
Click here to visit the home page for Cancer Programs at Rush.
Cancer Screening and Prevention
Cancer screening and prevention are priorities at Rush. Through genetic testing, counseling and advanced techniques for early detection, Rush helps people with a strong history of breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers. And in our state-of-the-art mammography center, we have one of the city’s finest teams of radiologists dedicated to early detection of breast cancer.
Cancer Support Programs at Rush
Cancer is not only a physical ordeal, it is also an emotional one, affecting cancer patients, their family and friends. To help address the whole person, we offer a number of resources to help patients and their loved ones cope in this difficult time.
For information on the cancer support programs at Rush click here.
Clinical Trials
Rush offers a number of clinical trials of experimental cancer treatments. Use the links below to search for studies for a particular form of cancer. If you are interested in exploring your eligibility for one of our open trials, please call (312) 942-8312. If we do not list trials for a particular type of cancer, please feel free to call us to discuss other treatment options.
For information on cancer clinical trial programs at Rush click here.
Find a Specialist at Rush
To find a cancer specialist at Rush, click on one of the following links:
To find specialist at Rush in other cancer-related areas, click on one of the following links:
Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number:
To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).
|
|
Bone Marrow Transplant
Cancer Center
Cancer Programs
Cancer Types