Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia is sometimes misdiagnosed as Myelodysplastic Syndromes

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

Although there is no cure for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the prognosis for patients with the illness is generally good and constantly improving. For the majority of patients, the cancer will progress at a slow rate and they are able to live a normal life span with small to no treatment. For the rest, the cancer may progress more rapidly but fortunately there are treatments available to successfully manage the disease and help the patients lead a near normal life. CLL is diagnosed by performing a few tests. Initially, a full blood count is performed. Patients with CLL tend to have a low red cell and platelet count. The presence of abnormal leukaemic blast cells is a strong indication of CLL. To confirm the suspected diagnosis, a bone marrow biopsy is required.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Fatigue, enlarged but painless lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, frequent infections, pain in the upper left portion of the abdomen

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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