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The Clinical Presentation of CLL

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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Part of the book series: Hematologic Malignancies ((HEMATOLOGIC))

Abstract

This chapter deals with the basic demographics and the presenting features of CLL and how to assess patients once a diagnosis has been made. CLL is predominantly a disease of the elderly with a preponderance of male patients. New evidence suggests that there are variations in gender incidence according to the clinical status of patients, with a higher male:female ratio in the groups with worse prognosis.

Full blood counts and a physical examination are the basis of the existing staging systems of Rai and Binet. Establishing the patient’s clinical stage sets the scene for the frequency of follow-up, the possible need for therapy and the need for cytogenetic and molecular investigations. Examination of blood films is still important, to identify the presence of prolymphocytes and to consider alternative diagnostic possibilities. In addition, biochemical tests such as beta-2 microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase are a valuable part of the prognostic evaluation.

Patients may need support to deal with the psychological and quality of life issues arising from their disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK

    Daniel Catovsky & Monica Else

  2. Department of Molecular Pathology, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK

    David Oscier

Authors
  1. Daniel Catovsky
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  2. Monica Else
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  3. David Oscier
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel Catovsky .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

    Michael Hallek

  2. Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

    Barbara Eichhorst

  3. Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK

    Daniel Catovsky

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Catovsky, D., Else, M., Oscier, D. (2019). The Clinical Presentation of CLL. In: Hallek, M., Eichhorst, B., Catovsky, D. (eds) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Hematologic Malignancies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11392-6_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11392-6_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-11391-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-11392-6

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