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What is B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) is a rare and aggressive type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of prolymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In B-PLL, the prolymphocytes undergo several abnormal changes and behaviors, which contribute to the disease process. When prolymphocytes grow out of control, they crowd out healthy cells like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood and bone marrow. The overabundance of prolymphocytes leads to a compromised immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. In advanced B-PLL, these abnormal cells may take over organs and tissues, such as the spleen, liver, lymph nodes and even the skin, leading to organ enlargement and dysfunction.
Why Do People Get B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
The exact cause of B-PLL is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by mutations in the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow. These mutations result in the cell growing and dividing uncontrollably, leading to the production of abnormal, immature white blood cells (prolymphocytes). These abnormal cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy cells, leading to the symptoms of B-PLL.
There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of someone developing B-PLL. These risk factors include:
- Being older
- Being male
- Having a family history of blood and bone marrow cancers
However, having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop B-PLL. Most people with these risk factors do not develop the disease.
Who gets B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
B-PLL is an extremely rare blood cancer, making up less than 1% of all B-cell leukemias. B-PLL mainly affects older adults with a mean age at presentation of between 65 and 70 years. The vast majority of patients are White individuals.
Want to Learn More About B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
Keep reading HealthTree for B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia's 101 pages!
B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) is a rare and aggressive type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of prolymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In B-PLL, the prolymphocytes undergo several abnormal changes and behaviors, which contribute to the disease process. When prolymphocytes grow out of control, they crowd out healthy cells like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood and bone marrow. The overabundance of prolymphocytes leads to a compromised immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. In advanced B-PLL, these abnormal cells may take over organs and tissues, such as the spleen, liver, lymph nodes and even the skin, leading to organ enlargement and dysfunction.
Why Do People Get B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
The exact cause of B-PLL is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by mutations in the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow. These mutations result in the cell growing and dividing uncontrollably, leading to the production of abnormal, immature white blood cells (prolymphocytes). These abnormal cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy cells, leading to the symptoms of B-PLL.
There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of someone developing B-PLL. These risk factors include:
- Being older
- Being male
- Having a family history of blood and bone marrow cancers
However, having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop B-PLL. Most people with these risk factors do not develop the disease.
Who gets B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
B-PLL is an extremely rare blood cancer, making up less than 1% of all B-cell leukemias. B-PLL mainly affects older adults with a mean age at presentation of between 65 and 70 years. The vast majority of patients are White individuals.
Want to Learn More About B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia?
Keep reading HealthTree for B-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia's 101 pages!
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