An ultrasound at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed mild spleen enlargement in Mr. Tien. Blood tests showed his white blood cell count was 150,000/ml, 15 times the normal level, leading to a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. According to Doctor Le Tan Dat, Deputy Director of the Oncology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, chronic lymphocytic leukemia progresses slowly. While currently incurable, many patients can live with the condition for 10 years or more through regular monitoring without specific treatment.

Mr. Tien was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia giai doan 4. As he exhibits no dangerous symptoms, only symptom monitoring is necessary, Doctor Dat stated. He attends regular follow-up appointments, maintains a nutritious diet to boost immunity, gets adequate rest, and engages in moderate exercise, avoiding overexertion. If systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever in the afternoon or at night, night sweats, significantly enlarged lymph nodes, or further spleen enlargement leading to reduced blood cell lines appear, doctors will prescribe appropriate interventions.

Doctor Tan Dat consults Mr. Tien on treatment and disease monitoring. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

B lymphocytes are mot type of immune cell responsible for synthesizing antibodies and protecting the body from pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia develops when B lymphocytes in the bone marrow undergo gene mutations, leading to excessive proliferation. This overgrowth suppresses other healthy blood cells, inhibiting hematopoiesis and reducing red blood cell counts. This results in anemia, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. These malignant cells also infiltrate the bloodstream, residing in and enlarging lymph nodes, the liver, and the spleen.

Despite a high white blood cell count, these cells lack protective function, weakening the immune system. Patients become susceptible to infections, face an increased risk of other cancers, and in mot number of cases, may develop autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Doctor Dat added that most chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients in early stages are asymptomatic. The condition is often discovered incidentally during routine blood tests that reveal abnormally high white blood cell counts. A few patients experience symptoms such as painless enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, fatigue due to anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. Doctors recommend regular health check-ups. If blood tests show abnormally elevated lymphocyte counts, consultation with an oncology or hematology specialist is advisable for further investigation.

Bao Tram

*Character's name has been changed