What are the Stages of CLL?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is staged and classified using two main systems: the Rai staging system and the Binet staging system. These systems help doctors to understand the extent of the disease and to plan treatment.

What is the Rai Staging System for CLL?

The Rai staging system, developed in the United States, categorizes CLL into five stages: 

• Stage 0: Many lymphocytes (white blood cells) with no other issues
• Stage I: Lymph glands are enlarged
• Stage II: Spleen and/or liver are enlarged
• Stage III: Low numbers of red blood cells (anemia)
• Stage IV: Low numbers of platelets (thrombocytopenia)

What is the Binet Staging System for CLL?

The Binet staging system, used widely in Europe, classifies CLL into three stages, labeled A, B, and C. The stages are as follows:

• Stage A: Fewer than three areas of lymphoid tissue are enlarged, and there are no signs of anemia or thrombocytopenia
• Stage B: Three or more areas of lymphoid tissue are enlarged, but there are no signs of anemia or thrombocytopenia
• Stage C: There are signs of anemia or thrombocytopenia, regardless of the number of areas of lymphoid tissue that are enlarged

Learn more about the stages of CLL by watching this HealthTree University video: 

Why Does Staging Matter for CLL?

Staging helps doctors predict disease progression and decide on potential treatments. CLL treatment starts if the disease is causing you health-related problems, not only if your lymphocyte count is high. Click here to read more about the qualifications to start therapy for CLL and the treatment options available to you. 

Once CLL is diagnosed, according to how it presents in each person, it can be described as: 

• Asymptomatic: Has few or no symptoms
• Symptomatic or progressive: There are significant changes in blood counts or other symptoms affecting quality of life
• Recurrent: The leukemia came back after a period of time in which it could not be detected
• Refractory: Even with treatment, the leukemia is not responding, and abnormal cells keep showing up in tests; this can be more challenging to treat

Track Your CLL Labs with HealthTree Cure Hub

Click the button below to create your free HealthTree Cure Hub account. Doing so will give you the ability to securely connect your medical records from any facility for free to track your CLL labs in one place. Click here to learn more about the benefits of tracking your CLL labs in HealthTree Cure Hub. 

Track My CLL Labs

Source: 

• CLL-IPI: A New International Staging System for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
• How Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Staged?