Chronic leukemia is varcharacterized by a very slow-growing cancer of the blood-forming organs. It is more common in men over 50. Approximately 1/3 of leukemia victims have this type. It is sometimes discovered in a routine blood test.
Causes of Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic
The cause of chronic leukemia is unknown. Unlike acute forms of leukemia, excess exposure to radiation does not seem to be a factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic
In early stages of chronic leukemia, symptoms include generalized weakness and fatigue. Lumps, or enlarged lymph nodes, may develop in the armpit, neck or groin. Anemia may develop, with its typical symptoms of fatigue, rapid heart rate, pallor and exercise intolerance. As with other forms of cancer, there may be unexplained weight loss. If the liver and spleen become involved, there may be swelling in the upper abdomen, or the abdomen may be generally swollen. Due to impairment of normal white cells, an increased susceptibility to infection may occur. Occasionally skin nodules develop. In late stages of chronic leukemia there is progressive problems battling infections. This leads to a wide variety of infections, including those that do not typically occur in healthy people, such as viral and fungal infections. Weakness progresses and may become incapacitation.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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