CLL Symptoms

In the early stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), there may be no symptoms. When signs and 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 symptoms include feeling very tired, unexplained weight loss, and pain or fullness below the ribs.

CLL

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of CLL?

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 symptoms.

Common Symptoms

When 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.

Final Thoughts

These possible symptoms are not sure signs of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. An infection or another problem also could cause these symptoms. People with possible symptoms of CLL should see a doctor as soon as possible because only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.