The first signs of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are often detected by blood work during a routine doctor’s visit. Some people may have physical symptoms, like weight loss, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes which usually indicates an advanced stage of the disease. Several blood tests will be done to confirm the diagnosis. Someone with CLL usually has a high white blood cell count and a low red cell count.
Your doctor will also order a flow cytometry test, which identifies the distinctive markers that distinguish CLL cells. Other screening, like imaging tests or biopsies are not a standard part of the initial workup, unless your doctor is concerned about specific symptoms like extremely enlarged lymph nodes.
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Dr. Nicole Lamanna is a hematologist/oncologist at Columbia University Medical Center. Her research interests include lymphoid leukemias, specifically chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Read More
The first signs of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are often detected by blood work during a routine doctor’s visit. Some people may have physical symptoms, like weight loss, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes which usually indicates an advanced stage of the disease. Several blood tests will be done to confirm the diagnosis. Someone with CLL usually has a high white blood cell count and a low red cell count.
Your doctor will also order a flow cytometry test, which identifies the distinctive markers that distinguish CLL cells. Other screening, like imaging tests or biopsies are not a standard part of the initial workup, unless your doctor is concerned about specific symptoms like extremely enlarged lymph nodes.
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