Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Painless swelling in the neck, underarms, stomach, or groin
• Tiredness
• Paleness (a sign of anemia )
• Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs
• Fever
• Infection
• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Bone pain
• Enlargement of liver and spleen

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may also check for swelling of the liver; spleen, or lymph nodes. The nodes may be in the armpits, groin, or neck. You will likely be referred to an oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer.

Tests may include the following:

• Blood tests—to check for changes in the number or appearance of different types of blood cells
• Bone marrow aspiration—removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow to test for cancer cells
• Bone marrow biopsy —removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow and a small piece of bone to test for cancer cells
• Spinal tap —removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid to check for cancer cells
• Routine microscopic exam—examination of a sample of blood, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid
• Bone, blood marrow, lymph node tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid tests—to distinguish among types of leukemia and to determine whether there are leukemic cells in the lymph nodes or spinal fluid
• Cytogenetic analysis—a test to look for certain changes of the chromosomes (genetic material) of the lymphocytes; this is used in part to make a specific diagnosis of type and plan treatment.
• Chest x-ray —x-rays of the chest that may detect signs of lung infection or cancer in the chest
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
• Gallium scan and bone scan—injection of a radioactive chemical into the bloodstream to detect areas of cancer or infection
• Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine masses and organs inside the body