Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a slowly progressive form of cancer, characterized by an increased number of B lymphocytes, of the white blood cells and bone marrow. Blood cells are normally produced in a controlled way, but in CLL the process gets out of control. The lymphocytes multiply too quickly and live too long, so there are too many of them circulating in the blood. These Leukaemia lymphocytes look normal, but are in fact not fully developed and do not work properly. Over a period of time the abnormal cells replace the normal white cells, red cells and platelets in the bone marrow. It is the most prevalent form of leukaemia and occurs predominantly in patients over 55 years.

Many cases of CLL are detected by routine blood tests in persons with no symptoms, however, patients may have enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, fatigue, bone pain, abnormal bruising, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, re-occurring infections and lack of energy. CLL affects a type of lymphocyte called the B lymphocytes and causes suppression of the immune system, failure of the bone marrow, and infiltration of malignant cells into organs. Although CLL starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to the blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system, and other organs. It does not usually form a solid mass or tumour.

The condition usually develops very slowly and many people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia do not need treatment for months or years.  However, some people may have a more aggressive form of the illness and will need to have treatment much earlier.

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