[9] Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Flashcards
What is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia?
A monoclonal expansion of B-lymphocytes with accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes
Where do abnormal lymphocytes accumulate in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia?
- Blood
- Bone marrow
- Spleen
- Lymph nodes
- Liver
How do the lymphocytes in CLL appear morphologically?
Normal
What is abnormal about the lymphocytes in CLL?
They are immature and non-reactive
What is the result of the lymphocytes being immature and non-reactive in CLL?
Results in immunological compromise
How common is CLL compared to other leukaemias?
It represents about 1/4 of all leukaemias seen in clinical practice
When does CLL present?
It is largely a disease of older people
What causes CLL?
Unknown
What are the known risk factors for CLL?
- Age
- Radiation exposure
Are people in the UK exposed to radiation levels high enough to increase the risk of CLL?
No, it occurs after nuclear accidents etc
Describe the presentation of CLL?
Variable, with insidious onset
Are most people symptomatic at presentation of CLL?
No
How are people diagnosed with CLL asymptomatically?
Following routine blood tests
What are the symptoms of CLL?
- Susceptibility to infection
- Symmetrically enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal discomfort from an enlarged spleen
- Bleeding or petechiae in skin or mucous membranes
What are the signs of CLL?
- Localised or generalised lymphadenopathy
- Splenomegaly
- Hepatomegaly
- Petechiae
- Pallor
- Skin infiltration
- Tonsillar enlargement
What are the differential diagnoses for CLL?
- Other forms of leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative diseases
What investigations should be done in CLL?
- Blood tests
- Lymph node biopsy
- Other tests
What blood tests should be done in CLL?
- FBC
- Peripheral blood smear
- Direct anti-globulin test
- Bone marrow aspirate
What is found on FBC in CLL?
- Minimal clonal B cell lymphocytosis
- Normochromic, normocytic anaemia in advanced diseaes
What is found on peripheral blood smear in CLL?
Lymphocytosis, often with smudge cells