Often, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) grows slowly. It may not cause any symptoms or other health concerns for years. You may feel fine and only find out you have CLL when you have a blood test for another reason, like a routine checkup.
But in some cases, CLL grows faster, and getting treatment quickly matters. To know the outlook in your case and to plan the right approach for you, it’s important to work with CLL specialists like the hematologist-oncologists at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be chronic lymphocytic leukemia. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Symptoms and Signs of CLL
As the disease progresses, these are some of the common CLL symptoms or signs you might experience:
- Swollen lymph nodes that do not hurt in your neck, armpit, abdomen or groin.
- Feeling weak or tired, which can happen if you have anemia (low red blood cells).
- Pain or fullness below your ribs, which can happen if organs, like your spleen, get enlarged.
- Lasting fever without evidence of having an infection.
- Bruising or bleeding easily or getting tiny, flat, red spots under your skin (petechiae due to bleeding), which can happen if your platelet levels are low.
- Losing weight without trying and with no known cause.
- Ongoing night sweats that soak your clothes and bedding without evidence of having an infection.
If You Have Symptoms of CLL
The same signs or symptoms may be caused by other conditions that aren’t leukemia. If you have any signs or symptoms, let your primary care provider know. They can help you figure out the cause.
If your provider thinks you may have ALL, they will schedule tests. Tests can help your care team understand what is causing your symptoms.