Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a form of blood cancer. It affects the lymphatic system, which includes not only the lymph nodes, but also the spleen and liver. Colloquially, the disease is also known as "old-age leukemia", as it occurs particularly frequently in older people. CLL does not always need to be treated. Doctors often simply wait and observe. Symptoms do not always occur either.
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a less aggressive form of blood cancer. It has a leukemic course. Colloquially, CLL is also known as "old-age leukemia", as it occurs particularly frequently in older people.
Thanks to modern therapy methods, the disease can be well controlled if the course is favorable. The patient can then lead a largely symptom-free life.
This type of blood cancer often progresses relatively slowly. It is one of the indolent, i.e. less aggressive, lymphomas. In the western world, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form.
The disease usually occurs from the age of 75; statistically, earlier illnesses occur less frequently.
In leukemia (blood cancer), the malignant white blood cells take over the blood composition. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia occurs when there are more than 5,000 malignant B cells per microliter of blood.
Symptoms do not always occur, and if they do, they can vary greatly. This is why the disease often remains undetected for a very long time. It is often discovered by chance during other examinations.
Nevertheless, some typical symptoms can occur:
Fever or night sweats can also occur, especially in the early stages.
It has not yet been possible to determine exactly how this disease is triggered.
Apparently, genetic changes that are acquired during life play a major role. Certain environmental toxins or pesticides are also suspected of promoting the development of this disease. Last but not least, age is also involved in the development of the disease, as it is predominantly older people who develop CLL.
Illustration of red and degenerated white blood cells © Jennifer | AdobeStock
CLL is not necessarily treated immediately. This also depends on the patient's symptoms.
In many cases, doctors observe the disease and wait to see if further symptoms develop. The often very slow progression of this disease also allows time to wait and see.
However, if there is a deterioration in the blood values during the check-ups, treatment is initiated. The same applies if the patient is plagued by symptoms.
In such cases, chemotherapy is used. In most cases, this succeeds in combating the symptoms. Patients then sometimes remain symptom-free for a very long period of time.
Chemotherapy is also used for younger patients. In this case, however, the dose is much higher than for older people. Here, too, it is usually possible to successfully combat the cancer cells.
There are also other methods. However, their effect has not yet been fully proven or researched.
These include stem cell therapy, for example. Younger people in particular could benefit from it, as the disease can be cured in the best case scenario.
The prognosis always depends
constitution of the patient. Although the disease usually progresses rather slowly, it can also take a more aggressive course in individual cases. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia can usually live very well and in many cases even without symptoms .
In most cases, working life is also not affected by the disease, as the patient is fully resilient.
During a phase of CLL treatment, however, fatigue and exhaustion may occur for a short time. The body then needs an appropriate rest period.
In addition to the actual therapy, every patient can also do something good for themselves and their body. Sport strengthens the immune system. A balanced diet can also make an important contribution to containing the symptoms.
