2,400 people are diagnosed with Chronic Lymphicytic Leukaemia (CLL) in the UK per year, making this the most common form of Leukaemia. CLL tends to be a slow developing condition which generally tends to go untreated for months or sometimes years. However depending on diagnosis CLL can is some cases require immediate treatment.

CLL causes the bone marrow to create too many white blood cells which are known as lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are not matured fully and therefore are unable to perform the job of a white blood cell effectively. Over time the lymphocytes cause lymph nodes to swell as they accumulate within the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes can also accumulate within the bone marrow, preventing it from developing other healthy cells (white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells).

Things to look out for

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Chronic fatigue (feeling tired): this may cause breathless or headaches and is caused by anaemia resulting from the leukaemia.
• Abnormal bleeding and bruising: You may experience large unexplainable bruising or you may find you bleed more easily and that this takes longer than usual to stop i.e. prolonged nose bleeds.
• Recurring/multiple infections: you may experience recurring or multiple infections this is due to the lack of functioning white blood cells.
• Pale complexion: due to the lack of red blood cells you may develop anaemia which can cause you to look pale.
• Fever and experiencing sweats mainly during the night time.
• You may experience weight loss.
• Swollen lymph nodes: often experienced in the groin, armpits or neck.
• Swollen spleen: this will become apparent through a sensitive lump in the left abdominal (tummy) area.

These symptoms are common in other medical conditions, however due to the nature of CLL it is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any or some these symptoms.