What Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

“Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in the United States,” says Sangmin Lee, MD, hematologist-oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. Like other types of leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) begins in the stem cells of the bone marrow.

Compared to an acute type of leukemia, CLL progresses more slowly, is less likely to cause symptoms, and is less likely to require immediate and aggressive treatment.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

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Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Dr. Schwarz is board eligible Sleep Medicine and board certified Family Medicine physician. She is a member of the AASM and ABFM.

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