Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL) is cancer of a type of white blood cells called
lymphocytes. These cells are found in the bone marrow and other
parts of the body. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center
of bones that helps form all blood cells. CLL causes a slow
increase in a certain type of white blood cells called B
lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancer cells spread through the blood
and bone marrow. CLL can also affect the lymph nodes or other
organs such as the liver and spleen. CLL eventually can cause
the bone marrow to lose its function. CLL; Leukemia - chronic
lymphocytic (CLL) Causes, incidence, and risk factors The cause
of CLL is unknown. There is no link to radiation. It is not
clear whether certain chemicals cause CLL. But exposure to Agent
Orange during the Vietnam War has been linked to an increased
risk of getting CLL. CLL usually affects older adults,
especially those older than age 60. Persons under age 45 rarely
get it. CLL is more common in whites than