The four complications of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) are anemia, infection, enlarged lymph nodes, and bone marrow failure. Anemia occurs when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and organs, which can lead to fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heart rate. Infection can occur due to a low white blood cell count, which makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections. Enlarged lymph nodes are another common complication of CLL, as they can become swollen due to the buildup of abnormal white blood cells. Finally, bone marrow failure happens when the bone marrow is unable to produce enough healthy red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells, which can lead to anemia, infections, and bleeding.
Treating CLL usually includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the individual. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each type of treatment to determine what is best for your particular situation. In some cases, doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and stress reduction to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.