Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

is cancer in your blood and bone marrow. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that prevent and fight infections. Your bone marrow makes damaged lymphocytes and your body has trouble fighting infections. It may prevent your bone marrow from making other blood cells and cause bleeding or infections.

Common symptoms include the following:

• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Frequent illnesses, such as colds, coughs, or the flu
• Low energy or feeling very tired
• Fever
• Weight loss without trying
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin
• Abdominal swelling, pain, or discomfort

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have bleeding that does not stop.
• Your heartbeat is faster than normal for you.
• You have severe pain in your abdomen.

Call your oncologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You think you have an infection, such as a cough, cold, or the flu.
• You have new bruises or bruises that are getting bigger.
• Your lymph nodes become painful or larger.
• You are losing weight without trying.
• You have night sweats.
• You feel depressed.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for CLL

will be based on the stage of your CLL. You might not need treatment if you are in an early stage and do not have symptoms. If you do not need treatment, your healthcare provider will ask you to come back for follow-up visits. These visits will include a physical exam and blood tests. Your provider will check to see if you are still in the same stage. Your provider will also decide if you should begin treatment. You may need any of the following:

• Chemotherapy is used to kill tumor cells or shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them.
• Biologic therapy for cancer is medicine that helps your body fight growing cancer cells. It may also make cancer cells weaker and easier to kill. You may need this medicine more than once. You may feel like you have the flu during this therapy.
• Radiation therapy shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells with x-rays or gamma rays. It may be given alone or with chemotherapy to treat cancer.
• A transplant is a procedure to put bone marrow or stem cells into your blood through an IV. The stem cells go to your bone marrow and begin to make new blood cells.
• Medicines may be given to help treat or prevent infection. Steroids may also be given to help you make healthy red blood cells.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Imbruvica
• Rituxan
• Venclexta
• Calquence
• Gazyva

View more treatment options

Manage your CLL:

• Prevent infection. Wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, and clean humidifiers daily. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on preventing infection.
• Prevent bleeding and bruising. Be careful with sharp or pointed objects, such as knives and toothpicks. Do not play contact sports, such as football. Use a soft toothbrush. Do not floss your teeth while your platelet count is low. Blow your nose gently. Your nose may bleed if you pick it. Do not take NSAIDs or aspirin. NSAIDs and aspirin thin your blood and increase your risk for bleeding.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Alcohol can thin your blood and make it easier to bleed. Smoking increases your risk for new or returning cancer. Smoking can also delay healing after treatment. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke or drink and need help quitting.
• Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink extra liquids to prevent dehydration, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments. Ask how much liquid you need each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Exercise as directed. CLL or its treatment may make you feel tired. Exercise can help you have more energy.
• Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. If you have trouble swallowing, you may be given foods that are soft or in liquid form. Ask about any extra nutrition you may need, such as nutrition shakes or vitamins. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems eating, or if you are nauseated.

Follow up with your oncologist as directed:

You will need to see your oncologist for ongoing treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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