There are many different types of leukemia that have been diagnosed, studied and analyzed over the years. One of the rarest types is known as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (otherwise referred to as CLL). One study shows that in the United States there have been over 15,000 new cases reported and more than four thousand deaths in 2014 alone so far, according to Cancer.gov. If you have recently been diagnosed with CLL or know someone else that has, then one of the biggest concerns you might have currently is the life expectancy of this prognosis in addition to what exactly is CLL in the first place.
What is CLL?
This particular type of leukemia is actually manifested through the progressive growth and gradual accumulation of these specific cells within a person’s bloodstream, lymphatic tissues and bone marrow in general. In most cases, a person’s lymphocyte counts within their actual bloodstream are much higher than 5000/mm cubed. In most cases, confirmed studies and experimental trials have been able to conclude that CLL is commonly diagnosed in elderly and middle-aged adults. There is an increasing level of frequency reported through successive decades of a person’s life. The overall progression and growth of this particular disease can escalate from a simple indolent lymphocytosis to a major lymphatic enlargement.
What is the Life Expectancy of CLL?
When it comes to identifying the actual life expectancy of CLL that truly just depends on the severity of the individual case as well as how early (or late) it was detected. Further studies have been able to confirm that there is a very wide variation of survival rates among patients ranging from just a few short months to an ordinary life expectancy. It definitely is contingent on the actual circumstances of each individual case. However, this does shed light on another important topic that all people should pay close attention to in general – early detection.
The Need for Early Detection
As is the case with most types of cancer, including different types of leukemia, early detection is also important. The earlier it can be detected, the better your chances of winning the battle against it become. Prolonging examinations and procrastination in general can cause you to risk your health and your life – especially if you end up having a confirmed diagnosis of CLL. Trust in the expertise of your licensed healthcare physician and follow their guidance and recommendations.
