Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms
A routine blood test can automatically identify the presence of this condition. In most cases, the client may not present symptoms. But symptoms can occur such as:
- Enlarged lymph nodes, painless (in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin)
- Extreme fatigue, related to anemia
- Fever and infection
- Weight loss, unknown cause
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Abnormal bruising (late stage)
The condition is identifiable by the mere physical examination. And a follow up of the patient’s prompt medical history is a vital step in diagnosing CLL. But a blood workup is much more reliable in the diagnosis of this condition. Bone marrow aspiration for biopsy has been a very common procedure in the diagnosis of CLL. This is a delicate procedure that involves the removal of bone marrow, blood and a small piece of bone via a large needle into the hipbone. The specimen is then analyzed by pathologists.
This condition can lead to complicated manifestations:
- Frequent infections – these infections commonly occur at the upper and lower respiratory tract. Serious cases may develop and infections may persist.
- Aggressive cancer – there are cases where the blood cancer my develop to a more aggressive form of cancer, diffuse large B-cell syndrome.
- Immunity problems – the patient’s immune system is very delicate and at most risk worsening because it may fight the normal cells of the body.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Stages
Stage 0
There is lymphocyte accumulation in the blood. No presenting symptoms of leukemia can be observed. This is a slow-growing stage of the disease.
Stage I
There is already enlargement of the lymph nodes of the patient.
Stage II
Lymphocyte number is increasing in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes making them larger than its normal size.
Stage III
More lymphocyte accumulation is happening in the blood and because of this red blood cell production is depleted. Organ enlargement occurs to the liver and spleen.
Stage IV
There are already few platelets in the blood because of the surging increase of lymphocyte in number.
Tests
The following tests are done in order to help find out the stage of CLL:
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Chest X-ray – this includes the x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest viewing the lymph nodes.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – provides detailed pictures of areas inside the body, necessary for viewing affected parts.
- Computed tomography scan (CT scan) – similar purpose with MRI, but this procedure includes induction of a dye for proper viewing.
- Blood chemistry – measures the amount of blood components the body has.
- Coomb’s test – or the antiglobulin cells would identify the presence of antibodies in the body that would destroy the RBCs and platelets of the body.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Causes
This condition is known to be idiopathic, from an unknown cause, but there has been a link to the genetic mutation in the DNA of blood-producing cells that may have caused this. As already mentioned, this condition is the mutation of blood cells that are incompetent. These ineffective lymphocytes (an essential blood component necessary for fighting off infection) will continue to grow and multiply, taking place the purpose of the effective lymphocytes. These abnormal lymphocytes are called leukemic cells. These cells will make us become prone to infection, anemia and easy bleeding. These can cause serious problems, especially now that it may interfere with the normal blood cell production.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment
In the course treatment of CLL, the patient’s willingness and eagerness to cooperate with the proposed treatment plan is very essential. In most cases, in treating this condition we do not find the cure of the disease instead we treat the presenting symptoms. But since this is a slow growing disease and commonly presents itself to the aged, treatment plan can be hindered. But as soon as the onset has been identified, the patient who is readily prepared for the course of therapy shall attain a great result, especially in relieving symptoms.
The first form of treatment is chemotherapy, a widely used health treatment course for patients suffering from cancer. Agents that are found very helpful in treating this condition are combinations of fludarabine with alkylating agents. These agents have quietly proven their dexterity in treating this disease when combined.
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Some drugs are found to be a good help in the treating process of CLL. Targeted drug therapy is made possible to fight back cancer cells. These drugs are used to bind onto a specific protein as a way to target, thus killing the leukemia cells. These drugs include rituximab, alemtuzumab, and ofatumumab.
Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation is a rare therapy for leukemia for its downside. It is expensive and a suitable donor is hard to find. This has been found very assistive in the treatment course, but is said not to be a cure for cancer. This transplantation can have adverse effects for it can result to rejection.
Radiation treatment is done too for patients with CLL, a very intensive treatment that is rooted for the enlarged lymph nodes.
Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions are necessary for patients who have depleting blood components. This would relieve the anemia and bleeding that the patient may be experiencing.
The role of the patient in treating this form of cancer is very important. A big change in the lifestyle is necessary. Once diagnosed the patient should follow the doctors’ orders and make sure to be religious in following throughout. A patient suffering from CLL should lead on in avoiding infections. Make yourself healthy by eating fresh fruits and vegetables. When fatigued, take exact rest to obtain its wonderful results. Exercising can be a good way to make one healthy. Being meticulous with your things and by washing hands frequently can avoid you from acquiring infections. Get your immunizations at the required date advised.
Avoid things that can worsen your condition. Make lifestyle changes such as smoking and drinking. These practices can only worsen your condition and even make you acquire other diseases.
Lastly, follow-up should be done. Attend to the appointments which the doctor has given.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Life expectancy
This type of leukemia can be slowly progressing but an average of 5 to 7 or more years of life expectancy has been noted. But with revolutionized treatments and therapy for this disease has been developed, one’s life expectancy can be increased. This would greatly matter when the patient himself/herself is strictly following the treatment plan of the doctor. There are cases reported that patients attained a longer life more than the average which is a five-year survival rate of 50%.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Prognosis
This slow progressing condition can be very fatal in the end. But providing the prognosis of this disease primarily depends on the stage where one is suffering. The chance of one’s recovery entirely depends on his/her ability to follow the treatment regimen. But once the ineffective lymphocytes alters the body’s defense mechanism, the chances of survival is less. On the bright side, if the condition was controlled and treatment regimen was followed, some extension of prolonging one’s life can be expected. There is no improving in the survival rate for this condition, but constant monitoring of the condition can just assist in the lookout for improvement. But there are also instances of recurrence that can be at its worst point.
Instances where the patient’s condition has progressed into another form of condition can have a fatal effect. He/she can be suffer a much greater amount and must need intensive care. But a factor that can highly affect the patient’s prognosis is his/her health. When they are generally in good health, with the proper medications and therapy, a fair prognosis in relieving the symptoms is attained.
But in providing the prognosis of the patient’s health condition, it is entirely important that the environmental factors can affect one’s health. It is much better when the environment is a clean one and that there will be less causing infectious agents that can worsen the patient’s state. The role of the family can promote one’s prognosis. Their emotional, financial and moral support is a great addition in lifting up the patient’s outlook and perseverance to work on his/her condition.
