Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.

The term "chronic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that it typically progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia. The term "lymphocytic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the cells affected by the disease — a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which help your body fight infection.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia most commonly affects older adults. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatments can help control the disease.

Symptoms
References
  1. Kipps TJ. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and related diseases. In: Lichtman MA, et al. Williams Hematology. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=69. Accessed Sept. 16, 2010.
  2. Grever MR, et al. Chronic lymphoid leukemias. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:2293.
  3. Elphee EE. Caring for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2008;12:417.
  4. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/CLL/patient/allpages. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
  5. Arzerra (prescribing information). Research Park Triangle, N.C.: GlaxoSmithKline; 2009. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/125326lbl.pdf. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
  6. Cancer-related fatigue. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/fatigue.pdf. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
  7. Shanafelt TD, et al. Phase I trial of daily oral polyphenon E in patients with asymptomatic Rai stage 0 to II chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2009;27:3808.
  8. Green tea. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
DS00565 Nov. 24, 2010

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