What it is
Many people with early CLL do not need treatment straight away. They are monitored with regular blood tests, an approach called watch and wait.
Treatment starts if symptoms develop or blood counts change, and may include targeted medicines, immunotherapy or chemotherapy. People with CLL are more prone to infections, so vaccinations are important.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- Painless swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin
- Tiredness
- Frequent infections
- Night sweats, weight loss or fever
How it is usually diagnosed
- Full blood count
- Flow cytometry to identify the cells
- Genetic tests on the leukaemia cells
- Scans or bone marrow test in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Full blood count results over time, especially lymphocyte count
- Flow cytometry and genetic test results
- Haematology letters and treatment plans
- Vaccination records
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need treatment now, or can we watch and wait?
- Which blood results matter most for me?
- Which vaccines should I have, and which should I avoid?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fever, shivering or feeling very unwell, especially during treatment: contact the haematology team or call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.