Connect
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
I had a colonoscopy & gastroscopy performed recently and as preparation a CBC was done and unbeknown to me a pererhal blood smear. The procedcures were negative and the reason I had them done was for 2 weeks before I had cramping, stomachache, nasuesa, Diarrhea and occassional vomitting which have now all resolved. My health issues are borderline Type2 diabetes, Hypertension and allergies. My CBC showed thee below results:
WBC 9.68
RBC 5.58
Hematocrit 46.8
Hemoglobin 15.2
Platelets 162
MCV 84
MCH 27.3
MCHC 32.5
RDW 15.3%
lymphocytes 21.5 %
lymphocytes, typical absolute 2.51
Atypical Lymphocytes 2.9%
These have been my CBC results for the last 6 years. Ny perherial blood test, (the 1st I ever had in my life showed smudge cells of 17.5%.
I am a 66 year old male and after googling smudge cells, I afraid i have CLL. I do not know if I even want to go and see a Hematologist as he recommended. If it is blood cancer, I thinking I do not even want to know. Any feedback is welcomed Thank-you
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.
Connect
I was diagnosed with CLL years ago because my white cell count kept going up. I am still at zero stage. It is the best cancer to have if you have to have something because it is the slowest growing. If you have it, don’t be afraid of going to see a hematologist. He may find it is nothing or you may find you have a very slow growing cancer that they are coming up with treatments everyday! Good luck to you and let me know.!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactionsthank you Merry Christmas
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDefinitely get a confirmed diagnosis. Then decide about treatment options. Were it me, I'd always wonder.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYes, definitely get a confirmed diagnosis! I was diagnosed in 1996 and have only required short treatments 3 times to lower my CBC. Yes, it was a bit scary at first, but I found it didn’t change my lifestyle drastically!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@melvin588 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
It is really easy to "go down a rabbit hole" looking things up. Your doctor will be the best source for information. Personally, I would want to know exactly what there may need to be concerned about, rather than guessing! I hope that the other comments you have read here will encourage you to check in with the doctor recommended for you.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsIf I am reading the timeline correctly, the blood work was done while you were having symptoms being investigated with scopes. And whatever caused those symptoms has cleared up. Has the blood work been repeated? Your WBC and absolute lymphocytes were in the normal range so maybe the smudge cells were an artifact and now have disappeared. Without a confirming blood smear test, you may be worried without basis.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactionsthanks
Better to follow up and know what's actually going on than to sit and worry. As @labcoris said, CLL is one of the "best" cancers to have -- if you have it.
My CLL journey started late last year with increased lymphocytes + smudge cells. A medical oncologist initially diagnosed MBL (monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis): my lymphocyte count wasn't high enough to qualify for CLL, and I didn't seem to have any Sx (symptoms) other than a few enlarged lymph nodes. So, "watchful waiting" was prescribed.
Then, this June, I developed afib (atrial fibrillation). A chest CT (to exclude atrial clots) also revealed numerous lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen. That, and further investigations, changed the diagnosis to SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma). SLL is a variant of CLL in which the wonky lymphocytes accumulate in lymph nodes instead of peripheral blood.
I recently completed a 6-month course of Gazyva (obinutuzumab) infusions, and am taking oral Venclexta (venetoclax) until next September. Side-effects have been minimal, and I feel better.
Of interest, I recently found an old lab report that mentioned smudge cells way back in 2002! So this has probably been "building" slowly for a long time.
I hope this helps.
Melvin is correct. My Oncologist/Hematologist told me that if you have to get leukemia, CLL is the best one. She also told me that many people do not know they have it and live with it for years. I was diagnosed 2 years ago. There is no treatment except to treat symptoms. My immunogloblin continues to drop every 3-4 months, so I am receiving infusions which take a few hours, but I feel great after I have one. Hang in there and please see a Hematologist just so they can make a determination for you. Then you at least know what needs to be done, if anything. Take care of yourself!
How high did your white count become? Mine keeps rising..it is 32 now after being 18....still waiting for more labs