Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Medical help

Causes of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Causes

Tests and next steps for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Diagnosis

Treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Medical treatments

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are not always obvious. Some of the main symptoms are swollen glands, losing weight and getting ill a lot.

If you have symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, it's important to get them checked by a GP.

It's not clear what causes chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. It's rare, but you may be more likely to get it as you get older.

The main tests for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are blood tests.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia does not always need to be treated straight away. The main treatments include targeted medicines and chemotherapy.

Main symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Many people who have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions.

The main symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia include:

• swollen glands, usually in your neck or under your arms
• losing weight
• getting ill a lot
• feeling tired even though you've had a good night's sleep
• a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it, similar to meningitis
• bleeding or bruising for no reason
• looking unusually pale and feeling breathless
• a high temperature even though you're not unwell
• aches and pains that will not go away
• sweating at night

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is rare in people under the age of 40.

When and where to get medical help

If you have symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, it's important to get them checked by a GP.

See a GP if:

• you have symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Main causes of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

It's not clear what causes chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is rare, but it's more common:

• as you get older – it's very rare in people under 40
• if you're male
• if someone in your family has had it

Main tests for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Your doctor will do tests to check if you have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

The main tests are blood tests to check your blood cells and look for signs of leukaemia.

These may be done by a GP or a specialist.

Main treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

It's not possible to cure chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, but treatment can control it.

You may not need to have treatment straight away when you're diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

You'll usually be seen by a doctor or nurse regularly. How often you're seen depends on the stage of your cancer, if you're having active treatment and how you're feeling.

When you start treatment depends on:

• your symptoms
• the stage of the cancer
• your general health

You can live with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia for years and may need to repeat treatment several times.

The main treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are targeted medicines. Chemotherapy is also sometimes used, but this is less common.

Rarely, other treatments can include radiotherapy and surgery.

The specialist team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
• help you manage any side effects
• help and support you during your recovery

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.