Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Symptoms and Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Advanced age influences the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Risk factors for CLL include the following:
- Middle-aged or older, male, or white.
- Family history of CLL or cancer of the lymphatic system.
- Families of Russian Jewish or Eastern European Jew.
Symptoms
Usually CLL does not cause any symptoms and is detected in a routine blood test. Sometimes symptoms can be caused by CLL or by other conditions. You should consult a doctor in the presence of any of the following problems:
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin.
- Fatigue that does not disappear.
- Pain or fullness below the ribs.
- Fever and infection.
- Weight loss (unexplained).