Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Diagnostic Tests

Mandatory medical device diagnostics. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes. Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging method (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation)) of the abdomen/thorax (abdominal CT/thoracic CT) – if sonography/X-ray questions require further investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Diagnostic Tests

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is usually discovered incidentally by lymphocytosis (elevated lymphocyte count) as part of a complete blood count (differential blood count) performed for other reasons. The following symptoms and complaints may indicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): Fatigue, tiredness Fever* Night sweats* (nocturnal sweating) High susceptibility to infection Hemorrhagic diathesis (bleeding tendency) Pale skin color … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is due to malignant transformation of a B-cell clone in 95% of cases. It is considered a leukemic B-cell lymphoma. It involves mature, small-cell but non-functional B lymphocytes (B cells; they belong to the leukocytes (white blood cells); they are the only cells capable of producing antibodies; together … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Causes

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Test and Diagnosis

1st-order laboratory parameters-obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count [Later stage: anemia/poor blood count, thrombocytopenia/platelet deficiency] Differential blood count [persistent leukocytosis/increased white blood cell count with high lymphocyte percentage (>50%): > 5,000/μl B lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Predominance of small, morphologically mature lymphocytes in peripheral blood smear] Coagulation parameters – Quick, PTT (partial thromboplastin time). Inflammatory … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Test and Diagnosis

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Prolongation of survival Therapy recommendations Chemotherapy (see below) is palliative (palliative therapy), therefore as late (“watch and wait” strategy) and as gentle as possible (treatment duration: over many years): a high lymphocyte count is not in itself an indication for therapy! Start of therapy: pronounced signs of bone marrow displacement or disease-related symptoms … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Drug Therapy

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) is an important component in the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Family history Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). Have you noticed any changes such as fatigue, pallor, or general feeling of illness? Have you noticed … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Medical History

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Blood, blood-forming organs-immune system (D50-D90). Essential thrombocythemia (ET) – chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMPE, CMPN) characterized by chronic elevation of platelets (thrombocytes). Osteomyelofibrosis (OMF) – myeloproliferative syndrome; represents a progressive disease of the bone marrow. Polycythaemia vera – pathological multiplication of blood cells (particularly affected are: especially erythrocytes/red blood cells, to a lesser extent also platelets … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): Blood, blood-forming organs – Immune system (D50-D90). Anemias (anemia) Autoimmune hemolytic anemias (AIHA; form of hemolytic anemia in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that induce hemolysis of erythrocytes) – usually triggered by IgG polyclonal … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Complications

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [night sweats; pale skin color; pruritus (itching); chronic urticaria (hives)] Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? … Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Examination