Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is diagnosed through the detection of a high white blood cell count composed primarily of small lymphocytes. The diagnosis is confirmed by "immunophe-notyping" (flow cytometry) that shows coexpression of the markers CD19 and CD5. CLL is the one type of leukemia for which there is a formal staging system:

• RAI Stages 0 to I -- During this early stage of the disease, there is an elevated lymphocyte count and enlarged lymph nodes.

• RAI Stage II -- In the intermediate stage the spleen becomes enlarged.

• RAI Stages III to IV -- In the advanced stage of the disease, bone marrow function is disturbed and there is a significant decrease in red blood cell and platelet counts.

In 5 percent to 10 percent of cases, CLL can transform to an aggressive lymphoma. This is called Richter's syndrome.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated July 31, 2008