Fact 2: The Silent Progression
CLL is often termed the ‘silent’ leukemia, and for a good reason. Its onset is usually quiet, with the disease gradually progressing without causing noticeable symptoms. This silent progression is one of the primary reasons why CLL can be so elusive in its early stages.
The body might give out subtle signs, but they’re easy to dismiss. Fatigue, minor weight loss, or even frequent infections can all be brushed off as routine health hiccups. However, in the backdrop, CLL might be slowly advancing, making its presence more pronounced over time.
Given its sneaky nature, diagnosing CLL early becomes a challenge. Routine blood tests are the primary tools that flag its presence. In many instances, the discovery is incidental, with individuals getting tested for entirely different health concerns.
While the initial stages might be silent, CLL doesn’t always remain dormant. As the disease advances, symptoms become more evident. Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, or even a swollen abdomen due to an enlarged spleen could indicate its progression. (2)
