NHS Factsheet

NHS website

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Find out about chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a rare type of blood cancer, including the symptoms and how it's treated.

4 May 2023

Introduction

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
  • It usually develops very slowly and does not always need to be treated straight away.
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cannot usually be cured, but it can be managed with treatment.
  • It's more common as you get older. It's very rare in people under 40.
  • It's not clear what causes chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, but having a close family member who's had it may mean you have a slightly higher risk.

Get your symptoms checked

It's important to get any symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ↗ checked as soon as possible. Finding it early can mean it's more treatable.

Related articles

NHS factsheets

Mesothelioma

Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining that covers some of the body's organs.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. Read about the symptoms, causes and treatments.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Shortness of breath

NHS information about shortness of breath, or breathlessness, including when to get medical help and what the cause might be.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Sleep apnoea

Find out about sleep apnoea, which is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Peak flow test

Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. Read about why and how it's measured.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos, a fibre-like material once used in the building sector.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Dislocated kneecap

Find out how to tell if you have a dislocated kneecap, where to get medical help, what the treatments are, and how long it takes to recover.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Stomach ache

Read about a stomach ache and abdominal pains, including stomach cramps or an ache in the tummy (abdomen).

Read More

NHS factsheets

Laryngitis

Read about laryngitis, which is when your voice box becomes irritated or swollen. Symptoms of laryngitis usually come on suddenly and get worse during the first 3 days.

Read More

NHS factsheets

Stop smoking treatments

Find out about the medicines that can help if you want to stop smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Read More

NHS factsheets

Brain tumours

A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain that multiplies in an abnormal, uncontrollable way. Find out about its symptoms and how it's treated.

Read More