Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | Cancer Care
Chronic leukemia is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. Chronic Lymph Leukemia affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is, then, important for everyone to learn as much as possible about the condition.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors in increasing survival rates for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients. Of course, once a diagnosis is made it is essential to receive the right care and treatment from a proven and experienced specialist.
Dr. Saleha Sajid helps individuals with a cancer diagnosis access clinical trials and treatments tailored to their needs. She provides individualized care that is both compassionate and professional, helping patients make informed decisions as to what the best available treatment is for them.
What Is Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia?
Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, specifically white blood cells called lymphocytes. It causes slow-developing abnormal lymphocytes called leukemic cells that can build up in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. Over time, these leukemia cells crowd out healthy white and red blood cells as well as platelets.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is the most common type of leukemia diagnosed in adults in the Western world. It accounts for about one quarter of all leukemia cases in the United States, an estimated 20,720 people in the United States are diagnosed every year.
The chance of being diagnosed is relatively rare before age 40. About 10% of cases occur in people younger than 55, while over half occur in those over age 75.
CLL affects men about 1.7 times as often as women on average.
Prevalence is higher in North America and Europe compared to Asia and South America.
So in summary, chronic lymphocytic leukemia affects approximately 20,720 adults, particularly elderly men over 55, each year just in the United States. It is responsible for around 25-30% of all adult leukemia cases diagnosed annually. Monitoring for common symptoms and getting prompt medical care when changes emerge allows treatment to begin earlier when prognosis is strongest.
The risk factors for developing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia include:
Age
The risk goes up as you get older. About 90% of cases occur in people over age 50.
Gender
Men have around double the risk compared to women. The reasons are not fully understood.
Family History
Someone who has a sibling or parent with CLL or certain other blood cancers is at higher risk. Genetics play a role.
Ethnicity
CLL is more common in North America and Europe in white populations than Hispanic, Asian or African American groups.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals
Long-term exposure to Agent Orange, agricultural pesticides, and some industrial solvents may raise risks slightly.
Viral Infections
Prior infection with HTLV-1 virus or hepatitis C has been associated with a greater incidence of CLL.
Weakened Immune System
Those with inherited immunodeficiency disorders or taking immunosuppressant medications over prolonged periods have elevated risks.
It is always prudent to maintain an awareness of these risk factors as it may well help those more vulnerable take preventative health measures early and lower their risk.
What Are The Symptoms of Chronic Leukemia?
To catch Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia early and get the treatment you need as rapidly as possible it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of Chronic Lymph Leukemia include:
The most common signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) include:
Fatigue and weakness:Usually the first symptom noticed, as anemia commonly emerges early on due to the crowding out of healthy red blood cells.
Infection:The loss of normal functioning immune system cells leads to frequent bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. These may be minor or serious.
Abdominal pain or fullness: Enlargement of the spleen or liver from high lymphocyte counts can cause pain or discomfort on the upper left side of the abdomen.
Swollen lymph nodes: Nodes throughout the body often become visibly enlarged early on, most commonly under the arms, in the neck, groin or chest.
Bruising or bleeding: Shortages of platelets due to CLL can make people prone to excessive bruising, frequent or severe nosebleeds, and bleeding gums.
Shortness of breath: Anemia or enlarged lymph nodes pressing on the lungs can make breathing difficult with little activity.
Rash or night sweats: Some patients develop itchy red skin rashes or drenching night sweats without clear cause.
If you experience any of these symptoms see your doctor right away for further evaluation. Early detection is the key when it comes to treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Even if you are uncertain, it is still worth having a discussion with your doctor as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia symptoms are not always easy to recognize while easy to attribute to other diseases.
It’s Time to Change Your life
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Sajid To Learn More About Chronic leukemia Treatment Options
Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia
Are There Treatments for Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia?
While Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a serious condition, it can be treated in many ways. Some common treatments include:
Targeted Drugs : Kinase inhibitors like ibrutinib or acalabrutinib that block enzymes driving cancer growth are often used. BCL-2 inhibitors like venetoclax attack CLL cells' apoptosis-resistance.
Chemotherapy : Traditional chemo may be combined with targeted drugs for a dual attack approach. Common regimens use fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, bendamustine or chlorambucil.
Radiation Therapy : Directed at enlarged organs like the spleen and lymph nodes for symptomatic relief.
Immunotherapy : Drugs bolstering the immune system's cancer-fighting abilities like Obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, and rituximab represent progress.
Stem Cell Transplant : A bone marrow/stem cell transplant may achieve long-term remission after high-dose chemotherapy in some younger, fit patients.
Watch & Wait : Early stage stable CLL may be carefully monitored first before starting treatments, avoiding unneeded side effects.
Which treatments get used depends on the speed of progression, overall health, and disease characteristics of each patient. Often combinations provide the best results. The outlook for pushing CLL into lasting remission is improving with recent advances.
Over the past couple of decades, doctors have made great advances improving survivorship through combining these and emerging treatments to put chronic lymphocytic leukemia into deep remission while managing side effects. The course varies for each patient, but the outlook today is better than ever. Working with an experienced oncologist is, of course, a key.
Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia
Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia Trials and Treatments
As part of her partnership, Dr. Sajid helps those diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia access the best available treatments. She works to match patients with clinical trials and treatments tailored specifically to their needs.
From preventative screening to active cancer trials, provides a comprehensive suite of services for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients. Through their partnership with Dr. Sajid, they are able to offer personalized care and access to cutting-edge treatments.
FAQ
Chronic leukemia FAQ
What can I do to lower my risk of Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia?What is the prognosis for someone with Chronic leukemia?
Early stage CLL patients without symptoms or complications often have a good prognosis, with 5-year survival rates over 90% now.Where can I go for more information about Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia?What if I have more questions about Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia?Contact Dr. Sajid for more information about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and discuss your individual needs. She will provide personalized care and access to cutting-edge treatments.
Access Breakthrough Clinical Trials
with Dr. Saleha Sajid
As a leading practitioner in the Houston, Texas, area, Dr. Sajid specializes in offering access to the latest breakthrough clinical trials for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. With decades of experience and an extensive network of industry partnerships, she’s passionate about providing her patients with the best possible care.
Her unique partnerships allow her to work alongside top researchers and clinical trial teams to implement the latest treatments and cutting-edge medications. She understands how important it is for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients to have access to these treatments - that’s why she’s dedicated herself to helping them find the right strategy for their particular needs.