Definition:
Leukemia, B-Cell, chronic, is a cancer of the white blood cells. It attacks a particular lymphocyte called B cell and thrives on the lymph nodes. When the B cell is damaged, it can no longer fight infections and kills other healthy blood cells in the process.
Diagnosis:
The disease is easily diagnosed due to the presence of lymphocytosis, or an increased white blood cell count. Abnormal overpopulation of B lymphocytes in the bone marrow, blood and tissues indicate the onset of chronic B cell Leukemia.
Treatment:
Leukemia, B-Cell, chronic is treated by chemotherapy, biological therapy, bone marrow transplant and radiotherapy. Other cases of the disease undergo surgery such as splenectomy or by radiation therapy. Medicines such as purine analogues are used in order to prevent relapses. Stem cell transplants meanwhile are also being tested as a good method in treating the disease.
Symptoms and Signs:
Persons with Leukemia, B-Cell, chronic feel almost no symptoms unless an abnormally high white blood cell count. Lymph nodes are also enlarged.
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