CLL Symptoms

In the early stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), there may be no symptoms. When CLL symptoms do appear, they are generally mild at first and progress gradually. One common symptom of CLL is painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin. Other common CLL symptoms include feeling very tired, fever (and infection), unexplained weight loss, and pain or fullness below the ribs.

CLL
 

CLL Symptoms: An Introduction

Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel through the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may have a number of CLL symptoms.
 

Early CLL Symptoms

In the early stages of CLL, the leukemia cells function almost normally, and CLL symptoms may not appear for a long time. Doctors will often find chronic lymphocytic leukemia during a routine checkup, before there are any CLL symptoms.
 

Common CLL Symptoms

When CLL symptoms do appear, they are generally mild at first and progress gradually. Common CLL symptoms include:
 
  • Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, stomach, or groin
  • Feeling very tired
  • Pain or fullness below the ribs
  • Fever and infection
  • Weight loss for no known reason.
 

CLL Symptoms: Final Thoughts

CLL symptoms are not sure signs of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. An infection or another problem also could cause these symptoms. People with possible CLL symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible because only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD