Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic myeloid leukemia(CML) andchronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) are both persistent forms of leukemia that primarily affect adults. They’re also both slow-growing forms ofblood cancer.
CLL starts in the bone marrow’slymphocytes(a specific type of white blood cell).CML starts in the bone marrow’s cells that are the precursors to white and red blood cells andplatelets(the cells that aid in blood clotting).
While these two types of leukemia are similar, they also have important differences regarding their diagnoses and treatments. This article will discuss their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Common symptoms of CMLandCLLinclude:
Many of these symptoms are due to leukemic cells taking over the bone marrow so the normal white and red blood cells and platelets cannot be made. The leukemic cells do not function as well as normal cells. This results in anemia (low red blood cells), leukopenia (low normal white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets).
Each condition has some symptoms or signs that are different from the other.
CMLBone painAbnormal white blood cell count, with immature cells seenCLLSwollen lymph nodesHigh lymphocyte count
CMLBone painAbnormal white blood cell count, with immature cells seen
Bone pain
Abnormal white blood cell count, with immature cells seen
CLLSwollen lymph nodesHigh lymphocyte count
Swollen lymph nodes
High lymphocyte count
In both CLL and CML, experts don’t know the exact cause of the disease. Gene changes likely play a role. Neither form of leukemia is inherited. Instead, the changes responsible for these types of cancers are typically acquired during a person’s lifetime.
Experts know that most people with CML have an abnormal chromosome called thePhiladelphia chromosome, which is responsible for out-of-control cell growth and division. However, they don’t know exactly why some people have this chromosome.
While experts can’t pinpoint the definitive cause for CML and CLL, each disease has known risk factors.
CML Risk Factors
Known risk factors for CML include:
CLL Risk Factors
Known risk factors for CLLinclude:
Neither form of leukemia can be diagnosed during a physical exam. A doctor needs to perform additional tests to confirm a diagnosis of CML or CLL.
CML
Most people with CML don’t display symptoms. Diagnostic testing may involve:
CLL
During your physical, the doctor will ask about your medical and family history. Having a family history of leukemia may increase your odds of developing this type of cancer. Other things the doctor will look for include swollen lymph nodes and swelling in the abdomen.
Tests for CLL may include:
A proper diagnosis is vital because the treatments for different types of cancer may not be the same. The first-line treatments for CML and CLL differ.
Rarely, they may also treat CML with:
Targeted therapies are much more effective, making these treatments less common nowadays.
Doctors typically recommend chemotherapy,monoclonal antibodies, targeted therapies, or a combination of these as a first-line treatment for CLL. Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic immune system proteins that target specific cells.
They may also treat CLL using stem cell transplants, particularly in the case of hard-to-treat CLL.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Slow-Appearing Symptoms
Because little is known about what exactly causes either of these cancers, experts don’t know how to prevent them.
However, avoiding exposure to high amounts of radiation or radon can lower your risk of developing CML and CLL, respectively. That said, most people don’t knowingly or purposely expose themselves to these substances.
Summary
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have many similarities in their symptoms. It’s essential to get a proper diagnosis because treatment differs for these types of leukemia.
For example, the treatment of choice for CML involves targeted therapy drugs. In contrast, CLL treatment may involve a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and monoclonal antibodies.
A Word From Verywell
If you have either of these types of leukemia, the good news is that they are highly treatable. Both also have a good prognosis. The five-yearsurvival rate for CLLis about 87%.For CML, it’s about 70%.
You can do very little to prevent these types of cancer. But you can visit a doctor if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms, including a feeling of fullness in your abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, and night sweats.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBoth CML and CLL are chronic forms of leukemia. That means they’re slow growing. Acute leukemias progress and worsen more rapidly.This abnormal chromosome results from genetic changes that occur during a person’s lifetime. You don’t inherit this gene. Researchers still don’t know why this gene abnormality happens in some people.Other types of leukemia includehairy cell,promyelocytic, myeloproliferative, andsystemic mastocytosis. There is also acute lymphocytic leukemia andacute myeloid leukemia.It is possible. However, both cancers are far more likely to occur in adults.
Both CML and CLL are chronic forms of leukemia. That means they’re slow growing. Acute leukemias progress and worsen more rapidly.
This abnormal chromosome results from genetic changes that occur during a person’s lifetime. You don’t inherit this gene. Researchers still don’t know why this gene abnormality happens in some people.
Other types of leukemia includehairy cell,promyelocytic, myeloproliferative, andsystemic mastocytosis. There is also acute lymphocytic leukemia andacute myeloid leukemia.
It is possible. However, both cancers are far more likely to occur in adults.
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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.
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