The main difference between leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is that leukemia is a broad term used to describe a group of cancers that affect the blood-forming tissues in the body, including the bone marrow and lymph nodes, while CLL is a type of leukemia that affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells, which can be either lymphocytic (also known as lymphoblastic) or myeloid. Leukemia can be either acute or chronic, and can affect people of any age, although it is more common in children. Acute leukemia tends to progress quickly, and requires prompt treatment. Chronic leukemia, on the other hand, progresses slowly over time and may require ongoing monitoring and treatment.
CLL is a type of chronic leukemia that specifically affects lymphocytes. It is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. It is more common in adults over the age of 50, and symptoms can include fatigue, fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss. Treatment options for CLL include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapies.
In summary, the main difference between leukemia and CLL is that leukemia is a broad term used to describe a group of cancers that affect the blood-forming tissues, while CLL is a specific type of chronic leukemia that affects the lymphocytes.