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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Overview

At Sheba Medical Center in Israel, our Hematology Clinic provides comprehensive diagnoses and progressive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Israel in adults and children. A multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including hematologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists will assess each individual case in order to custom-design the most effective course of treatment. Our physicians are leading experts in their fields, and many have trained in internationally renowned cancer centers around the world.

Our hospital applies cutting-edge, clinical-based research and implements the latest technologies, such as performing advanced bone marrow transplants and stem cell therapies, as necessary. If a bone marrow transplant is required, we use a state-of-the-art HLA laboratory and our molecular laboratory to identify a perfect donor match. Sheba is also a member of the National Marrow Donor Program, and we may use stem cells from this data bank if no genetically suitable donor is located.

Sheba takes a holistic approach to healthcare, paying attention to the patient’s whole body and psychological state while providing precise treatment for CLL – at any stage of the disease. Our outstanding team of medical specialists and trained psychological support experts personalize all aspects of therapy, from the initial consultation through long-term treatment, management, and emotional rehabilitation. We will communicate clearly with you every step of the way to enhance comfort and understanding. We also realize that cancer therapies can have far-reaching effects on your quality of life, which is why we offer a wide range of compassionate support services for both you and your family.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
hemato-oncology

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults and accounts for approximately one-third of all leukemias. The majority of CLL cases are diagnosed when people are in their early 70s.

What is CLL?

In a healthy body, different types of blood stem cells are produced that mature into red blood cells, lymphocytes (white blood cells), and platelets. In CLL, a higher-than-normal amount of blood stem cells become abnormal lymphocytes, as opposed to healthy white blood cells. These abnormal lymphocytes, also called leukemia cells, cannot fight infection like normal white blood cells do. In addition, as the leukemia cells multiply in the bone marrow and blood, they leave little room for healthy blood cells to survive. This can lead to anemia, infection, and easy bleeding

What are the Risk Factors for CLL?

The primary risk factors for this disease include: a family history of CLL, family history of cancer of the lymph system, above age 70, male, white, and exposure to Agent Orange.
The risk of developing CLL does not appear to be associated with diet, infections, or smoking.

What are the Symptoms of CLL?

CLL leukemia cells grow slowly in the bone marrow before eventually entering the bloodstream. Frequently, CLL is present and silent for years before it spreads to other parts of the body (such as the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen) and begins to cause symptoms. It is an ongoing “chronic” disease that typically worsens very slowly and can be harder to cure than acute forms of leukemia. That is why CLL is often diagnosed only when a doctor orders blood tests for a different, unrelated health issue.

Once symptoms manifest, they may include:
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Enlarged lymph nodes (sensed as lumps under the skin)
  • Pain, discomfort, or a sense of “fullness” in the stomach (even after only a small meal)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Inability to fight serious infections

How Many Types of CLL Are There?

The general medical consensus is that there are two different kinds of CLL. One type grows very slowly, and it can take a long while until the patient shows symptoms and requires treatment. The other type grows rapidly and is a more serious form of the disease. Only laboratory testing can differentiate between these two kinds of leukemia cells

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Sheba Medical Center provides innovative, personalized medical care to patients from around the world. We are the largest, most comprehensive hospital in the Middle East and dedicated to providing advanced and compassionate medicine for everyone. We welcome all cases, including the rarest and the most challenging. Our medical teams collaborate to provide the best possible health outcomes. From your initial inquiry through the long-term follow-up care, we are here for you.

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