Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesGeneticsLifestyle Risk FactorsNext in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia GuideHow Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Is Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Genetics
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Next in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Guide
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) starts in the bone marrow’s white blood cells, specifically thelymphocytes. While the exact cause of CLL isn’t known, experts do know that genes play a role. Risk factors like age and exposure to chemicals may also contribute to the development of this type of cancer.
This article will discuss the causes and risk factors of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Lymphocytesare a type ofwhite blood cellthat forms from stem cells in thebone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones. They then make their way to your lymphatic system, where they help fight off invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
When something goes wrong in the production of these white blood cells, cancer can occur. In the case of CLL, genetic mutations cause the out-of-control production of lymphocytes.
These can’t fight off infection like normal white blood cells. And, this proliferation also hampersplatelet(cells involved in clotting) and red blood cell production in the bone marrow, causing additional symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of CLL?Because CLL is a chronic leukemia, some people may notnotice symptomsright away. Or symptoms may be vague and generalized. These include:FeverUnexplained weight lossNight sweatsSwollen lymph nodesEasy bruisingEasy bleedingFrequent infectionsSwelling in the abdomen
What Are the Symptoms of CLL?
Because CLL is a chronic leukemia, some people may notnotice symptomsright away. Or symptoms may be vague and generalized. These include:FeverUnexplained weight lossNight sweatsSwollen lymph nodesEasy bruisingEasy bleedingFrequent infectionsSwelling in the abdomen
Because CLL is a chronic leukemia, some people may notnotice symptomsright away. Or symptoms may be vague and generalized. These include:
Some risk factors that may increase your chances of developing CLL include:
Keep in mind that having any of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop CLL. A risk factor is just that: something that may increase your risk. Research may show that some of these factors are linked to developing CLL, but why there is a link isn’t clear in most cases.
What Is Agent Orange?Agent Orange is an herbicide (weed killer) that is most known for its use in clearing leaves and plant growth during the Vietnam War. This herbicide contains a dangerous substance calleddioxin. The chemical has been linked to a variety of adverse effects, including:Some types of cancersCongenital (present at birth) conditions or other disabilitiesDiabetes
What Is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange is an herbicide (weed killer) that is most known for its use in clearing leaves and plant growth during the Vietnam War. This herbicide contains a dangerous substance calleddioxin. The chemical has been linked to a variety of adverse effects, including:Some types of cancersCongenital (present at birth) conditions or other disabilitiesDiabetes
Agent Orange is an herbicide (weed killer) that is most known for its use in clearing leaves and plant growth during the Vietnam War. This herbicide contains a dangerous substance calleddioxin. The chemical has been linked to a variety of adverse effects, including:
It’s rare for people to inherit genetic mutations that then cause CLL.
Often, people with CLL have a mutation in their chromosomes—typically a deletion in chromosome 13. Other chromosomes that may be affected include chromosomes 11 and 17. However, experts don’t quite know why these changes occur, which genes are involved, or why these mutations cause leukemia.
Evidence suggests that B lymphocytes may start to divide uncontrollably after reacting to a substance called an antigen—these may include things like germs or proteins foreign to the body. Experts aren’t sure why this happens, though.
To reduce your risk of exposure to radon, you canhave your home testedand have repairs done if radon levels are high. Dioxin production has been greatly reduced in the United States, but it can persist in the environment, including in the water supply.Other than avoiding exposure to dioxin-containing chemicals or radon, there are no known lifestyle risk factors for CLL.
What Is a Lifestyle Risk Factor?A lifestyle risk factor is a risk factor that you have control over. Things like smoking or being active are considered lifestyle risk factors. Lifestyle factors can greatly influence your chance of developing certain cancers.
What Is a Lifestyle Risk Factor?
A lifestyle risk factor is a risk factor that you have control over. Things like smoking or being active are considered lifestyle risk factors. Lifestyle factors can greatly influence your chance of developing certain cancers.
Summary
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia happens due to gene mutations affecting the cells in the bone marrow that produce lymphocytes. These changes cause healthy bone marrow cells to grow out of control. The reason for these mutations is unknown. However, experts have identified some risk factors, including chemical exposure, age, and sex.
Knowing the exact cause of specific cancers would likely help researchers improve existingtreatment options. Unfortunately, experts still haven’t identified a precise cause of CLL.
That said, we do know that some risk factors may increase your chance of developing this type of blood cancer. Additional research may help identify more risk factors, but there is no known way to prevent CLL for now.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Hematology.Blood cancers.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.American Cancer Society.What are the risk factors for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?American Lung Association.Radon.MedlinePlus.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Aspen Institute.What is agent orange?American Cancer Society.Do we know what causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia?Environmental Protection Agency.Learn about dioxin.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Hematology.Blood cancers.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.American Cancer Society.What are the risk factors for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?American Lung Association.Radon.MedlinePlus.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Aspen Institute.What is agent orange?American Cancer Society.Do we know what causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia?Environmental Protection Agency.Learn about dioxin.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society of Hematology.Blood cancers.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.American Cancer Society.What are the risk factors for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?American Lung Association.Radon.MedlinePlus.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Aspen Institute.What is agent orange?American Cancer Society.Do we know what causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia?Environmental Protection Agency.Learn about dioxin.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
American Society of Hematology.Blood cancers.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
American Cancer Society.What are the risk factors for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
American Lung Association.Radon.
MedlinePlus.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Aspen Institute.What is agent orange?
American Cancer Society.Do we know what causes chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
Environmental Protection Agency.Learn about dioxin.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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