What is CLL?

This is going to be an informational post -- (boring to some) - so if I'm losing you.... no, don't go...........

ok - those of you who are still with me.

What is CLL?

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 "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.

Doctors aren't certain what starts the process that causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Doctors know that something happens in order to cause a genetic mutation in the DNA of blood-producing cells. This mutation causes the blood cells to produce abnormal, ineffective lymphocytes — one type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infection.


Beyond being ineffective, these abnormal lymphocytes continue to live, when other cells would die. The abnormal lymphocytes begin accumulating in the blood and certain organs, where they cause complications. They may crowd healthy cells out of the bone marrow and interfere with normal blood cell production.

Doctors and researchers are working to understand the exact mechanism that causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia include:


■Your age. Most people diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia are over 50.

■Your sex. Men are more likely than women to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

■Your race. Whites are more likely to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia than are people of other races.

■Family history of blood and bone marrow cancers. A family history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or other blood and bone marrow cancers may increase your risk.

■Exposure to chemicals. Certain herbicides and insecticides, including Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War, have been linked to an increased risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

(info from the Mayo Clinic website)

So, if you are still with me, you now can feel educated today!