What does CLL mean in UNCLASSIFIED

CLL stands for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, a type of cancer that occurs when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally. These abnormal cells accumulate in the bone marrow and other organs, impairing the body's ability to fight infection.

Early signs and symptoms of CLL may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, fatigue or severe anemia caused by too few healthy red blood cells. Other symptoms may include a decrease in appetite and unexplained weight loss.

The exact cause of CLL is unknown, however it has been linked to certain genetic mutations and environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. It can also be associated with a weakened immune system due to medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS and rheumatoid arthritis.

People over the age of 55 are more likely to develop CLL than younger people. Caucasians are more likely than African Americans and other ethnicities to develop the disease. Men are more likely than women to be affected by it. Furthermore, family history of the disease may increase your risk of developing it.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests (such as a complete blood count) and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. A biopsy or sample from a swollen lymph node may also be taken for further analysis under a microscope in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes, treatments for this type of cancer vary depending on how advanced it is, but generally involve chemotherapy medications or targeted therapies that alter specific genes within cells that cause them to grow out of control. There is also a stem cell transplant available which involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from elsewhere in the body or from a donor source.

Surgery might be necessary if there's abnormal growth around enlarged lymph nodes that affects organ function—however this is rare since most cases don't require any surgical intervention.