Atypical or aggressive CLL can behave quite differently from the slow-growing (indolent) form. The key difference is how fast the leukemia cells multiply and take over.
With aggressive CLL, the leukemia cells grow rapidly and can crowd out healthy red blood cells and platelets. This can lead to noticeable symptoms Show Full Answer
Atypical or aggressive CLL can behave quite differently from the slow-growing (indolent) form. The key difference is how fast the leukemia cells multiply and take over.
With aggressive CLL, the leukemia cells grow rapidly and can crowd out healthy red blood cells and platelets. This can lead to noticeable symptoms, including:
- Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system
- Swollen lymph nodes that may press on nearby organs
- A swollen spleen, causing pain or discomfort on the upper left side of the abdomen Aggressive CLL usually needs to be treated right away to prevent further complications, whereas indolent CLL may not require treatment for months or even years.
Certain factors can signal a more aggressive course, such as:
- Cancer cells that multiply quickly
- Specific chromosome changes (like deletions on chromosomes 11 or 17)
- High levels of proteins like ZAP-70 or CD38 on cancer cells
- An unmutated IGHV gene
It's worth having a detailed conversation with your care team about your specific markers, as these help predict how your CLL may behave over time.
September 24
Join
Your Privacy Choices
