What causes CLL and MDS?
Both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) develop when gene mutations damage blood stem cells in your bone marrow. These changes cause cells to grow abnormally and crowd out healthy blood cells.
CLL Causes:
CLL happens when mutations occur in blood stem cells Show Full Answer
What causes CLL and MDS?
Both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) develop when gene mutations damage blood stem cells in your bone marrow. These changes cause cells to grow abnormally and crowd out healthy blood cells.
CLL Causes:
CLL happens when mutations occur in blood stem cells that make lymphocytes (white blood cells). The cancer cells typically have deletions in chromosomes 13, 11, or 17, or an extra copy of chromosome 12.
These mutations are usually acquired during your lifetime rather than inherited. As you age, your DNA has a harder time repairing itself, which is why nearly 90 percent of people with CLL are over age 50.
Known risk factors include:
* Exposure to radon in your home
* Exposure to Agent Orange (Vietnam War herbicide)
* Possibly pesticides used in farming
MDS Causes:
MDS occurs when abnormal stem cells make defective blood cells, leading to low blood cell counts and abnormal-looking cells.
Risk factors include:
* Being age 60 or older
* Exposure to chemicals like pesticides, benzene, or tobacco smoke
* Exposure to heavy metals like lead or mercury
* Previous cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation)
When MDS develops after cancer treatment, it's called treatment-related or secondary MDS. When it occurs on its own, it's called primary MDS.
March 9
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