Diagnosis of CLL
CLL: Other things the doctor will look for include swollen lymph nodes and swelling in the abdomen. During your physical, the doctor will ask about your medical and family history. Having a family history of leukemia may increase your odds of developing this type of cancer. Tests for CLL may include:
- Gene testing: These types of tests are not typically used to diagnose CLL but help determine how advanced the cancer is and what to expect in terms of outlook.
- Lymph node biopsy: Removing lymph node tissue and looking at the cells under a microscope gives the doctor an idea of the aggressiveness of cancer.
- Flow cytometry: These tests look at whether lymphocytes taken during a blood draw contain cancer cells.
- Blood tests: A CBC can determine whether you have abnormal blood cell counts that may point to a disease such as leukemia. If you have too many lymphocytes, this may mean you have CLL.
- Bone marrow biopsy: This test can help with CLL staging.