Need emergency help? Call 999 in United Kingdom.

Open local help
MyPHUMy Public Health Unit

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Find out about chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a rare type of blood cancer, including the symptoms and how it's treated.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Causes

Causes

Tests and next steps

Diagnosis

Treatment

Medical treatments

Symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are not always obvious. Some of the main symptoms are swollen glands, losing weight and getting ill a lot.

It's not clear what causes chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. It's rare, but you may be more likely to get it as you get older.

The main tests for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are blood tests to check for signs of cancer.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia does not always need to be treated straight away. The main treatments include targeted medicines and chemotherapy.

Main symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Many people who have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions.

The main symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia include:

  • swollen glands, usually in your neck or under your arms
  • losing weight
  • getting ill a lot
  • feeling tired even though you've had a good night's sleep
  • a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it, similar to meningitis
  • bleeding or bruising for no reason
  • looking unusually pale and feeling breathless
  • a high temperature even though you're not unwell
  • aches and pains that will not go away
  • sweating at night

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is rare in people under the age of 40.

See a GP if:

  • you have symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Main causes of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

It's not clear what causes chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is rare, but it's more common:

  • as you get older – it's very rare in people under 40
  • if you're male
  • if someone in your family has had it

Main tests for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Your doctor will do tests to check if you have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

The main tests are blood tests to check your blood cells and look for signs of cancer.

These may be done by a GP or a specialist.

Main treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

It's not possible to cure chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, but treatment can control it.

You may not need to have treatment straight away when you're diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

You'll usually be seen by a doctor or nurse regularly. How often you're seen depends on the stage of your cancer, if you're having active treatment and how you're feeling.

When you start treatment depends on:

  • your symptoms
  • the stage of the cancer
  • your general health

You can live with chronic lymphocytic for years and may need to repeat treatment several times.

The main treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are targeted medicines and chemotherapy. You may just have a targeted medicine on its own or combined with chemotherapy.

Rarely, other treatments can include radiotherapy and surgery.

The specialist team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
  • help you manage any side effects
  • help and support you during your recovery

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information about local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

CLL Support

Information and support for anyone affected by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Blood Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.

Lymphoma Action

Information and support for anyone affected by lymphoma.

Leukaemia Care

Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Maggie's Centres

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.