Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia

Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.

The term "chronic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that usually develops more slowly than other types of leukemia. The term "lymphocytic" in chronic lymphocytic leukemia derived from cells that are affected by the disease, a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which help the body fight infection.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia most commonly affects older adults. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatments can help control the disease.

SYMPTOMS

Many people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia has no early symptoms. Those who experience signs and symptoms may experience:

Widespread, but without pain, lymph nodes
Fatigue
Fever
Pain in the left part of the abdomen, which may be caused by an enlarged spleen
Night sweats
Weight
Frequent infections

When should you see a doctor

Immediately make an appointment with your doctor if you are worried about any of the signs and symptoms you.

CAUSE

Doctors do not know exactly what started the process that causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Doctors know that something happened to cause genetic mutations in the DNA that produces blood cells. This mutation causes the blood cells to produce lymphocytes are abnormal and do not effectively is one type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.

In addition to being ineffective, these abnormal lymphocytes continue to live and breed, when normal lymphocytes will die. Abnormal lymphocytes accumulate in the blood and certain organs, where they cause complications.

Physicians and researchers are trying to work to understand the exact mechanisms that cause chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

RISK FACTOR

Factors that can increase the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia include:

Your age. Most people diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia older than age 60.
Your sex. Men are more likely than women to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Your race. White people are more likely to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia than those of other races.
Family history of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Family history of leukemia or blood cancer and chronic lymphocytic bone marrow may increase your risk.
Exposure to chemicals. Certain herbicides and insecticides, including Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War, has been associated with an increased risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

COMPLICATIONS

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia can cause complications such as:

Frequent infections. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia may frequent infections. In most cases, this infection is a common infection in the upper and lower respiratory tract. But sometimes the more serious infections can occur.
Turning to a more aggressive form of cancer. A small number of people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia can develop a more aggressive form of cancer called lymphoma cells to spread great B. Doctors sometimes refer to this as Richter's syndrome.
Increased risk of other cancers. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia have an increased risk of cancers, including skin cancer, such as melanoma, and cancers of the lung and gastrointestinal tract.
Immune system problems. A small number of people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia can develop immune system problems that cause cells to fight diseases of the immune system mistakenly attacks the red blood cells or platelets.

PREPARATION BEFORE CONSULTATION

If you have any signs or symptoms you are concerned, start by making an appointment with your family doctor or a general practitioner. If the doctor determines that you might have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and bone marrow (hematology).

Because time is not much, and because there's often a lot of things that limit would be nice if you are preparing yourself well. Here is some information that can mebantu Apay you prepare and know that you can expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Recognizing pre-appointment restrictions. By the time you make the appointment, ask if there is something you should do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
Write down important information about your circumstances, including large stress or life changes.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking.
Consider bringing a family member you when the consultation, because they can help deliver the complaint you forget and help listen pentig information submitted by doctors.
Jot down questions to ask the doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions to help Asda consult secar effective. Sort the list of the most important questions .. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia, some basic questions that you can ask include:

What is the meaning of the test results I?
Do I need treatment right away?
If I do not start treatment now, will there be any restrictions in my care in the future?
Do I have to undergo additional tests?
What treatment options are available?
Are the side effects associated with each treatment choice?
There is one treatment that is highly recommended for the diagnosis I have?
How the treatment will affect your daily life?
I have other health conditions, so how do I handle simultaneously?
Are there any brochures or other printed materials and websites can I pedomani at home?

In addition to the questions you've prepared, do not hesitate to ask another question during the consultation.

What can you expect from the doctor

Doctors tend to ask a few questions. If you're ready, you can discuss other questions in more depth. Your doctor may ask:

When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
Is your symptoms are continuous or intermittent?
How severe your symptoms?
Is there anything that helps reduce your symptoms?
Is there something that worsen your symptoms?

TEST AND DIAGNOSIS

blood tests

Tests and procedures used to diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia include blood tests that are designed to:

Counting the number of blood cells. A complete blood count can be used to count the number of lymphocytes in the blood samples. A large number of B cells, a type of lymphocyte, may indicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Determine what type of lymphocyte involved. The test, called the current flow cytometry or immunophenotyping help determine whether the increased number of lymphocytes for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a blood disorder that is different or your body's reaction to other processes, such as infection. If the chronic lymphocytic leukemia is present, the current flow cytometry can also help analyze the leukemia cells characteristics that help predict how aggressive the cells.
Analyzing lymphocytes for genetic disorders. A test called fluorescence in situ hybridization study the chromosomes in which abnormal lymphocytes to look for abnormalities. Doctors sometimes use this information to determine prognosis and help you choose the treatment.

other tests

In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests and procedures to assist in the diagnosis, such as:

Tests leukemia cells to see the characteristics that can affect your prognosis
A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration
Imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT)

stages

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor determine the level (stage) of your chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Two different staging systems used. Each set of stage-beginning, intermediate or advanced showing the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This level is used to determine treatment options.

In general, people with early-stage disease do not require immediate treatment. People with the disease intermediate stages and the final stage of disease may be given the option to start treatment immediately.

CARE AND TREATMENT

Treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia depends on several factors, such as the stage of your cancer, Are you experiencing signs and symptoms, your overall health and your preferences.

Treatment may not be necessary in the early stages

People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia early stages usually does not receive treatment, though clinical trials to evaluate whether early treatment can help. Research has shown that early treatment does not prolong life for people with early stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Instead of putting you through the potential side effects and complications of treatment before you need it, doctors carefully monitor your treatment and backup when your leukemia progresses. Doctors refer to this as watchful waiting.

Your doctor will plan the examination schedule for you. You can meet with your doctor and have a blood test every few months to monitor your condition.

Treatment for intermediate and advanced stages

If the doctor determines your advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia or in intermediate or advanced stages, treatment options may include:

Chemotherapy is a treatment that kills cancer cells. Chemotherapy treatments can be given through a vein or taken in pill form. Depending on your situation, your doctor may use a single chemotherapy drug or you may receive a combination of drugs.
Therapeutic drug targets. Drugs that target is designed to take advantage of a particular vulnerability of cancer cells. Drugs targeted therapies used in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia including rituximab (Rituxan), alemtuzumab (Campath) and ofatumumab (Arzerra). Other targeted therapies are being studied in clinical trials.
Bone marrow stem cell transplantation. Bone marrow stem cell transplants using powerful chemotherapy drugs to kill the stem cells in your bone marrow that create diseased lymphocytes. Then the stem cells from the blood of healthy adult donors implanted into your blood, where they travel to your bone marrow and begin to make blood cells healthy. Reducing the intensity, or "mini" bone marrow stem cell transplant is similar to a standard stem cell transplant, but uses lower doses of chemotherapy drugs. The stem cells of bone marrow may be a treatment option in cases when other treatments have not worked or in some cases the forms were very aggressive from chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

supportive care

The doctor will meet with you regularly to monitor you if possible complications. Supportive care measures can help prevent or reduce the signs or symptoms. Supportive care may include:

Cancer screening. The doctor will evaluate the risk of other types of cancer and may recommend tests to look for signs of cancer. For example, the doctor may recommend an annual skin examination to look for signs of skin cancer.
Vaccination to prevent infection. The doctor may recommend a specific vaccination to reduce the risk of infection, such as pneumonia and influenza.
Monitoring for other health problems. Your doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor your health during and after treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

LIFESTYLE AND CARE AT HOME

You can take steps to keep your body healthy when you have been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Try to :

Do what you can to avoid infection. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is susceptible to infection. Take steps to keep yourself healthy. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Get enough sleep so that you wake up feeling rested. Exercise several days a week. Do your best to avoid people who are sick. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to help avoid germs. Stay up to date on your immunizations, including annual flu.
Reducing the risk of a second cancer. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia have an increased risk of a second cancer. Lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk, such as not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation, eating a healthy plant-based foods and use sunscreen when you're outside.
Routine follow appointment. Blood tests are often used to see if your cancer has progressed. Every time you go for a test, you may worry that your cancer worsened. Do not let this stop you from your next appointment. Instead, expect that you will have some concerns and plan for it. Finding leisure activities while awaiting test results. For example, exercise, reading, or spending time with friends and family.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Alternative treatment has been proven to cure chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Alternative medicine for overcoming fatigue

Some form of alternative medicine therapies may help you cope with fatigue, which is often experienced by people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Your doctor can treat fatigue by controlling the underlying cause, but often medication alone is not enough. You may find benefits through alternative therapies, such as:

Sport
massaging
Meditation
relaxation techniques
yoga

Talk with your doctor about your options. Together you can devise a plan to help you cope with fatigue.

Green tea extract for people with early-stage leukemia

Green tea extract has shown some promise in early clinical trials to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Laboratory research determined that the compounds in the extract of green tea, called EGCG, can kill cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

In one study, people with early stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, who took the EGCG in pill form experienced a reduction in some of the signs of the disease. For example, some participants realized that their enlarged lymph nodes decreased in size, and a blood test revealed some participants have leukemia cells that are lacking in their blood. EGCG and green tea research is ongoing.

EGCG is generally considered safe, though, at high doses, can cause complications, such as liver problems, and can interfere with some medications. Side effects can include nausea, abdominal pain and indigestion. If you are interested in trying EGCG, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your doctor may recommend additional blood tests and tests to see signs of side effects.

HOW TO OVERCOME AND SUPPORT

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not require treatment. While some people might call it a kind of cancer is "good", it does not make receiving a cancer diagnosis easier. While you may initially be shocked and anxious about your diagnosis, you eventually find your own way to cope with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Until then, try to:

Knowing that relate to making decisions about your care. Jot down questions to ask your doctor before consulting and search for information at your local library and on the Internet. Good sources include the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and The Society Leukemia and lymphoma.
Consider the support of family and friends. Stay connected with family and friends for support. It can be hard to talk about your diagnosis, and you'll likely get a variety of reactions when you share the news. But talking about your diagnosis and passing information about your cancer can help.
Connect with other cancer survivors. Consider joining a support group, either in your community or on the Internet. Support groups of people with the same diagnosis can be a source of useful information, practical tips and encouragement.
Learn how to cope with an irritable disposition, chronic disease. If you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you will probably will undergo a sustained and constantly worried about your white blood cell count. Trying to find some activities that help you relax, whether it's yoga, exercise, or gardening. Talking with a counselor, therapist or social worker if you need help to deal with the emotional challenges of chronic disease.