Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms and Signs

April 19, 2024 
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Guido Marcucci, M.D., Chair, Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope Duarte

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer that sometimes causes symptoms, but not always. CLL is often found in patients who don’t have symptoms. Instead, it’s found via a routine blood test. Here’s what patients and their families need to know about chronic lymphocytic leukemia symptoms and signs.

CLL Symptoms

CLL symptoms may vary, depending on the CLL stage and subtype. Some symptoms of CLL are more general in nature and even common, so they may also be caused by health issues other than CLL.

CLL symptoms may include those listed below.

Night sweats: Frequently waking up at night and feeling uncomfortable from sweating or fever may be an indication of CLL.

Weakness and/or fatigue: A lack of energy, or feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep, may indicate CLL.

Fever and chills: A frequently elevated temperature and/or chills may be a sign a patient’s body is fighting off regular infections. Infections may commonly occur in CLL patients, as their immune system isn’t functioning properly.

Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes, which may also feel like bumps underneath the skin, may be a symptom indicating CLL has spread into the lymph nodes, or that the body is working to fight off an infection. Swollen glands may be noticed under the arms or in the neck.

Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss may be a symptom of CLL.

Feeling full, even without eating: In some cases, CLL may spread into the liver and/or the spleen, causing these organs to enlarge. When that happens, the patient may feel swollen or full in the abdominal area, even if they haven’t eaten a meal recently.

Bone pain: Bone pain may occur in more advanced CLL. The presence of large numbers of leukemia cells in the bone marrow may cause pain and pressure on the nerves.

Signs of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

In addition to the symptoms of CLL listed above, signs of CLL may also present in test results. While symptoms are changes to the body experienced by the patient, signs are indicators noticeable to a doctor via medical tests or physical examination.

Such signs may include those listed below.

Neutropenia: This condition is when patients have low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that assists the immune system in fighting off infection.

Thrombocytopenia: This condition is when there is a shortage of blood platelets in the body, which may sometimes cause frequent bleeding or bruising.

Anemia: Anemia is when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which may cause fatigue, shortness of breath or feelings of weakness.

High white blood cell numbers: This is often the first sign that CLL may be present — even if the patient doesn’t have any symptoms. Doctors may notice a patient has higher-than-normal white blood cell count numbers during a routine blood test.

If patients notice any unexpected changes to their body, they should let their medical team know right away.