Chronic lymphatic leukemia, also known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL, is a white cell cancer that causes white B or T cells to multiply without dying, eventually overcoming the body's red cells. CLL is most often diagnosed in later life, with a median age of 65 at diagnosis, Barbara Lackritz writes in her book, "Adult Leukemia." It usually develops slowly, hence is considered a chronic illness. Initially, CLL might not cause symptoms, and many people do not realize they have this terminal disease. As the disease progresses, however, chronic lymphatic leukemia symptoms are more noticeable.
Petechiae and Bleeding
Petechiae are small blood spots that can appear on a CLL patient's skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. In CLL, this occurs when the patient's platelet count gets too low. Platelets are red cells that help blood clot; if counts are low, the patient experiences bleeding longer and more easily. CLL patients may also get nosebleeds. In severe cases, the lack of platelets leads to bleeding in any part of the body. The patient also bruises more easily.
Fatigue
Some CLL patients experience fatigue at some point during the course of the illness. Fatigue may be present at any time.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
As CLL progresses, many patients get swollen lymph nodes. A patient may notice swelling of lymph nodes around the neck, underarm or groin. Swollen lymph nodes may appear in any part of the lymph system, including in the abdomen, head and close to other organs as well.
Swollen Spleen
When the CLL white cell counts are very high, the cells collect in the spleen which then becomes swollen. A swollen spleen will be noticed in a physical examination. Extremely swollen spleens are sometimes surgically removed.
Infection
Once the patient's immune system is compromised by CLL, he is less able to resist infections. Infections may also become increasingly severe. CLL patients most commonly experience serious respiratory infections.
Other Symptoms
CLL is marked often by drenching nighttime sweating, sometimes with fever. In severe cases of CLL, the patient may also experience weight loss and loss of appetite.
Later Symptoms
In later stages of CLL, the same types of symptoms occur but are more severe. Much depends upon which organs or systems in the body are most affected. It is possible for a CLL patient to experience strokes, brain bleeding, central nervous system infection, shingles and other serious effects of having little resistance to disease and infection.
References
- "Adult Leukemia"; Barbara Lackritz; 2001.
- National Cancer Institute: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Mayo Clinic: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Symptoms
