Stage V (Five): The Total Takeover
Stage V is the zenith of CLL’s progression, where the disease essentially holds multiple systems of the body under siege. At this point, the disease isn’t merely content affecting the lymphocytes or specific blood components. It’s a systemic takeover, affecting organs, blood cells, and overall health.
Symptoms in Stage V are multifaceted. From significant fatigue to persistent infections, from swollen lymph nodes to a palpable enlargement of the spleen and liver, the body is essentially waving multiple red flags, signaling the extent of CLL’s dominance.
By Stage V, CLL has established colonies in multiple sites. The bone marrow, the lymph nodes, the spleen, and even the liver have seen the effects of abnormal B-cell proliferation. Moreover, the decrease in healthy white cells makes the body more susceptible to infections.
Given the profound impact of Stage V CLL, treatments are comprehensive and aggressive. The focus isn’t just on managing symptoms but actively curtailing CLL’s progression. Chemotherapies, targeted therapies, and even stem cell transplants might come into the therapeutic picture. (6)
