Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Signs and Symptoms

Introduction

  • The most common form of adult leukemia in the Western world but less common in Asians

Definition

  • A chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by progressive accumulation of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytes found in the blood and bone marrow

Pathophysiology

  • Commonly associated genetic aberrations include:
    • Good prognosis: Deletions of chromosome 13q
    • Poor prognosis: 17p, 11q chromosomal deletion, trisomy 12, TP53, NOTCH1, SF3B1, RPS15 gene mutations, ATM mutations with or without BIRC3 deletion, CD49d, CD38 expression, ZAP-70 expression

Signs and Symptoms

  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Systemic symptoms: Tiredness, fever, drenching night sweats, unintentional weight loss (≥10% in previous 6 months)
  • Symptoms of anemia or infection

Risk Factors

  • Chemical exposure
  • Family history: First-degree relatives (6- to 9-fold increased risk)
  • Race: Higher incidence in Caucasians compared to African Americans and Asians
  • Gender: Increased incidence in men compared to women