Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Many people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia have no symptoms. Those who do develop signs and symptoms may experience:

  • Enlarged, but painless, lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you're concerned about any of your signs and symptoms.

References
  1. Montserrat E, et al. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: A short overview. Annals of Oncology. 2008;19(suppl):vii320.
  2. Caligaris-Cappio F, et al. Novel insights in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Are we getting closer to understanding the pathogenesis of the disease? Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008;26:4497.
  3. Elphee EE. Caring for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2008;12:417.
  4. Dighiero G, et al. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The Lancet. 2008;371(9617):1017.
  5. Nabhan C, et al. Controversies in the front-line management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia Research. 2008;32:679.
  6. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment (PDQ) patient version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/CLL/patient/allpage/print. Accessed Oct. 13, 2008.
  7. Hallek M, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A report from the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia updating the National Cancer Institute Working Group 1996 guidelines. Blood. 2008;111:5446.
  8. SEER stat fact sheets. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results. http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/clyl.html. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  9. Questions about treatment. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/graphics/National/Allquestionsworksheets/QuestionsabouttreatmentPS172R.pdf. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  10. Campath (prescribing information). Cambridge, Mass.: Genzyme Corp.; 2007. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2007/103948s5070lbl.pdf. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  11. Rituxan (prescribing information). San Francisco, Calif.: Genentech; 2008. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/103705s5256lbl.pdf. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  12. Cancer-related fatigue. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/fatigue.pdf. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
  13. Shanafelt TD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 12, 2008.

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Nov. 26, 2008

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