Disturbance of the hemopoiesis, which develops very slowly, and leads to the accumulation of white bodies in the bone marrow, lymph nodes and peripheral blood are called chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This is a slow oncological disease that affects, as a rule, people aged 50-60 years. It does not always require special treatment, but involves constant monitoring of the hematologist.
Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
There are three stages of disease progression, each of which has its own characteristics.
At the first, early stage, clinical manifestations are practically absent. Sometimes there is an increase in lymph nodes during infectious and viral infections, after which their sizes come back to normal.
At the expanded stage it is observed:
- recurrent infectious diseases;
- decreased activity of immunity;
- a strong sustained increase in lymph nodes in size;
- the development of anemia;
- weakness, fatigue;
- pain or heaviness under the ribs on the left, in the region of the spleen;
- loss of appetite and, as a consequence, weight loss;
- night sweats;
- an aching in the bones and pain in the joints;
- increase in liver size.
This stage of lymphocytic leukemia already involves the appointment of special therapy.
The third stage, terminal, is characterized by a strong violation of hematopoiesis. Because of this, cyanosis and itching of the skin can occur.
Diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
To confirm the disease, several laboratory tests are assigned:
- analysis of blood, including - peripheral;
- analysis of bone marrow tissue;
- Lymph node biopsy;
- cytogenetic research;
- counting the number of immunoglobulins;
- immunophenotyping.
The analysis of blood in chronic lymphocytic leukemia allows to determine the presence of thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy and anemia, to find out the volume of substituted healthy bone marrow tissue. In addition, this study is necessary for calculating the leukocyte formula, establishing the level of maturation of cells.
Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
In the early stages, doctors do not prescribe any therapy, but only perform a regular examination of the patient to monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment is required in cases where lymphocytic leukemia is accompanied by obvious clinical manifestations.
Integrated scheme:
- taking medications ( chemotherapy ), the most effective drug is Fludara;
- introduction of monoclonal antibodies in the composition of bioimmunotherapy;
- application of vitamins and microelements.
In severe disease and large tumor masses, chemotherapy with high doses of active substances, transplantation of stem cells that ensure the normalization of hematopoiesis, as well as radiation therapy is recommended. If the spleen has increased to a considerable extent, its removal will be required.
Also, there are many methods of treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia with folk remedies. Doctors are skeptical about independent therapy of pathology, as it can harm the body. The following recipe is considered to be the safest:
- Fresh grass and chicory roots
thoroughly wash, grind and wring out the juice. - Take a solution of 1 tablespoon to 3 times a day.
- Store the product in a glass container in the refrigerator.
Forecasts for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
If the disease progresses slowly, without relapses and significant symptomatology, life expectancy with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is quite high, from 8 to 10 years from the date of diagnosis.
In cases where the pathology is more aggressive and is accompanied by strong clinical manifestations, tumor transformation of blood cells, the predictions are less favorable.