Can Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Be Found Early?
Screening is testing to try to find a disease, such as cancer, early in people who don’t have any symptoms yet. At this time, there are no widely recommended screening tests for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Still, CLL is often found before it causes any symptoms.
Finding CLL because of a blood test
Many times, CLL is found when a person has an abnormal result on a blood test that was done as part of a routine exam or for some other health reason.
Noticing symptoms of CLL at an early stage
Other people might have signs or symptoms of CLL while it’s still at an early stage. If you notice any symptoms that could be caused by CLL, let your health care team know so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
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- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Awan FT, Byrd JC. Chapter 99: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2020.
National Cancer Institute. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. 2024. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/cll-treatment-pdq on February 6, 2025.
Rai KR, Stilgenbauer S. Clinical features and diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. UpToDate. 2024. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-small-lymphocytic-lymphoma on February 6, 2025.
Last Revised: March 20, 2025
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