Tests to Determine if You Have CLL
Leukemia (CLL)
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.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
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.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Symptoms & Diagnosis: Finding CLL
Symptoms & Diagnosis: What Happens Next?
Whether you require treatment for CLL will depend on your blood count, and how quickly the disease is growing. In this series, leading doctors explain how they monitor CLL and the different types of blood cancer.
Symptoms & Diagnosis: Understanding Leukemia
Whether you require treatment for CLL will depend on your blood count, and how quickly the disease is growing. In this series, leading doctors explain how they monitor CLL and the different types of blood cancer.