Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Also written as CLL.
| Lymphadenopathy / organomegaly | Swollen neck, axillae, groin nodes; abdominal fullness, early satiety, early fullness after meals | Extramedullary disease – common in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). |
What our notes say
- | Lymphadenopathy / organomegaly | Swollen neck, axillae, groin nodes; abdominal fullness, early satiety, early fullness after meals | Extramedullary disease – common in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). | (Leukaemias)
- | Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) | Older adults, lymphocytosis, smudge cells | CD5⁺ CD20⁺ B‑cell phenotype, hypogammaglobulinaemia | (Leukaemias)
- Look‑alike conditions: metastatic bone disease, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Waldenström macroglobulinaemia, osteomyelitis. (Multiple myeloma)
- Key distinguishing morphology: Auer rods (acute myeloid leukaemia), smudge cells (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) (Pathology Practical Revision Guide)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia — marrow infiltration by clonal B-lymphocytes (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (White Cell Disorders — Must-Know Notes)
Study material on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
- Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained
- White Cell Disorders — Must-Know Notes
- Leukaemias
- Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide
- Hematopathology MCQs & Essays: MBChB Exam Revision Guide
- MCQ: High-Yield MCQs — Haematology (All Topics)
Practice questions on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of
- Mature T lymphocytes
- Immature B lymphoblasts
- Mature monoclonal B lymphocytes
- NK cells
Answer: C. CLL is a clonal proliferation of functionally incompetent mature B cells (CD5+, CD23+, CD19+) that accumulate in blood, marrow, and lymph nodes.