The Exact Cause of CLL is Hard to Know
Leukemia (CLL)
The Exact Cause of CLL is Hard to Know
No one knows exactly what causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). According to Dr. Nicole Lamanna, a leukemia specialist and associate professor at Columbia University Medical Center, CLL develops from de novo mutations, or new genetic mutations, that scientists don’t yet fully understand.
But researchers do believe it’s caused by some combination of genetic mutation in the DNA of blood-producing cells and exposure to something in the environment, like chemicals or radiation. It’s a chronic disease that people can live with for years and treatment varies depending on whether the disease grows slowly or is more aggressive.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
No one knows exactly what causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). According to Dr. Nicole Lamanna, a leukemia specialist and associate professor at Columbia University Medical Center, CLL develops from de novo mutations, or new genetic mutations, that scientists don’t yet fully understand.
But researchers do believe it’s caused by some combination of genetic mutation in the DNA of blood-producing cells and exposure to something in the environment, like chemicals or radiation. It’s a chronic disease that people can live with for years and treatment varies depending on whether the disease grows slowly or is more aggressive.
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.