Great Bend and Wichita, Kansas, oncology practitioner Dr. Mark Fesen provides diagnosis and care to patients with many types of cancer. Among the areas in which Dr. Mark Fesen has extensive knowledge is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
A cancer impacting the marrow, CLL typically progresses over many years and is different from many types of leukemia, primarily impacting adults as they age. The disease involves the degradation of lymphocytes, a white blood cell type that attacks infections. Through a genetic mutation, the lymphocytes lose their ability to fight infection and live longer than they otherwise would. This mutation causes them to accumulate in specific organs, which can result in complications. Additionally, they may multiply and take the place of healthy cells in the marrow, which then impacts regular blood cell production.
Symptoms are often absent during the early stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Symptoms experienced include enlarged but painless lymph nodes, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen, which causes pain in the upper abdomen. As the disease progresses, infections may become more common and immune system issues manifest.
