Leukemia is a type of cancer that comes in many different types. One of the most common forms of leukemia is CLL. CLL is also referred to as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and it is a cancer within the blood. CLL is mostly seen in adults of advanced age and most individuals diagnosed with this type of cancer are over the age of 40. Almost 1 in 3 of all reported cases of leukemia are attributed to CLL. This means that CLL is widespread and more individuals need to be aware of the specifics surrounding this condition. One if the largest concerns involving this form of cancer deals with heredity. Can CLL be passed on through genetics?
What Is CLL?
This type of leukemia affects the blood and begins in the white blood cells that are located in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft and most inner part of the bones. Even though CLL originates in the white blood cells, this type of cancer can spread over time and affect different parts of the body. This type of leukemia can be chronic, but chronic forms of CLL require a long time to grow.
This means that individuals with CLL can live a prolonged time period even after diagnosis. However, chronic types of CLL are almost impossible to cure and will eventually spread to other parts of the body. Acute forms of CLL are much easier to treat effectively. These two types of CLL are the only main forms of this blood cancer and the cells in both types of CLL look similar. However, proper diagnostic testing can differentiate acute CLL from chronic CLL.
What Causes CLL?
There is not just one known cause of this condition. However, heredity does play a strong part in CLL. If you have a family history of this form of blood cancer you are at a higher risk for obtaining this form of cancer. Although CLL is hereditary a family history of this cancer will only put you at a higher risk and will not ensure that you have this condition. Other common risk factors for CLL include chemical exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, and gender. For some unknown reason men are more likely to be diagnosed with CLL than women. Although these risk factors have been established and linked to CLL, there is still no real known cause for this form of cancer.
