What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
A person with leukemia has cancer of the white blood cells. The white blood cells multiply out of control in the bone marrow, resulting in abnormally high numbers of white blood cells in the bloodstream. A person with chronic lymphocytic leukemia has cancer of a particular type of white blood cell, called a lymphocyte. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is most common in the elderly.

What are the symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
Early symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia include weakness or fatigue, anorexia, and nausea. Later symptoms include abdominal pain, bone pain, easy bleeding, easy bruising, pale skin, swollen glands, and weight loss.

How does the doctor treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
Treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia includes pain medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications to control nausea. Some may be candidates for bone marrow transplant.