CLL/SLL

CLL

CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) is a usually slow-growing blood cancer that affects B cells, also called B lymphocytes. B cells are a type of white blood cell that help fight infection.It occurs when white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow mutate into cancer cells, multiply, and crowd out healthy blood cells and platelets.

SLL

SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma) is closely related to CLL. However, SLL cancer cells are mostly found in the lymph nodes rather than in the blood and bone marrow. Both are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and involve immature white blood cells. Usually affects people 65 and older but can occur as early as 30.

Healthy cells
become
cancerous
In people with CLL, normal B cells mutate into abnormal, unhealthy cells.
Cancer cells
begin to grow
These abnormal cells multiply more quickly than your healthy cells and may live longer than they’re supposed to. This makes it more difficult for healthy cells to do their job.
Cancer cells
build up in the
body

Abnormal B cells start to build up in the lymp nodes, bone marrow, and blood, and may also involve other organs, such as the liver and spleen.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of CLL/SLL may not develop for years,
but when they do occur, they can include: