Overview

a type of proliferative B-cell malignancy that manifests with lymphocytic leukocytosis

a type of B-cell lymphoma with the same genetic and molecular markers as CLL that manifests primarily in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other lymphatic tissue rather than with leukocytosis

• Most common type of leukemia in adults

• Sex: ♂ > ♀ (∼ 2:1)

• Age: The median age at the time of diagnosis is 70–72 years (incidence of CLL increases with age).

• Older age

• Environmental factors: organic solvents

• Family history

Acquired mutations in hematopoietic stem cells → increased proliferation of leukemic B cells with impaired maturation and differentiation in the bone marrow, resulting in:

• Suppression of the proliferation of normal blood cells

  • Immunosuppression

    • Hypogammaglobulinemia

    • Granulocytopenia

  • Thrombocytopenia

  • Anemia

• Infiltration of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen