Get VENCLEXTA treatment support: (844) 926-6727, M–F, 7am–7pm CST

Previously Untreated CLL/SLL

WHAT IS CLL/SLL?

Actor portrayal.

CLL and SLL are types of cancer that affect your blood.

CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) is a usually slow-growing blood cancer that affects B cells, also called B lymphocytes. B cells are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.

SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma) is closely related to CLL. However, SLL cancer cells are mostly found in the lymph nodes rather than in the blood and bone marrow.

In people with CLL, normal B cells mutate into abnormal, unhealthy cells.

Healthy cells become cancerous

In people with CLL, normal B cells mutate into abnormal, unhealthy cells.

Abnormal cancer cells multiply more quickly than healthy cells and may live longer than they're supposed to. This makes it more difficult for healthy cells to do their job.

Cancer cells begin to grow

These abnormal cells multiply more quickly than your healthy cells and may live longer than they’re supposed to. This makes it more difficult for healthy cells to do their job.

Abnormal B cells start to build up in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and blood, and may also involve other organs, such as the liver and spleen.

Cancer cells build up in the body

Abnormal B cells start to build up in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and blood, and may also involve other organs, such as the liver and spleen.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of CLL/SLL may not develop for years, but when they do occur, they can include:

Sleeping person icon Fatigue
Lymph Nodes Icon Swollen lymph nodes
Scale icon Weight loss
Person with night sweats icon Night sweats
Band-Aid Icon Easy bruising
Thermometer icon Fever
Stomach icon Pain in the stomach or a sense of “fullness”
(feeling full after only a small meal)

Risk factors

There are a few known risk factors for CLL/SLL. These include:

ID icon

Age

Family icon

Family history

Warning sign icon

Exposure to certain
chemicals

DNA strand icon

Genetics

Find a healthcare provider with experience treating CLL.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Download questions to ask your doctor about CLL/SLL and your treatment goals

questions-to-ask-doctor

Actor portrayal.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Download questions to ask your doctor about CLL/SLL and your treatment goals

Actor portrayal.

Learn more about CLL/SLL