What is the Difference Between CLL and SLL?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are essentially the same diseases, but they differ in the location where the cancer primarily occurs. Both CLL and SLL are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develop in white blood cells called lymphocytes. The main differences between CLL and SLL are:

• Location: CLL primarily affects the blood and bone marrow, while SLL typically affects the lymph nodes. However, the distinction between CLL and SLL doesn't influence the treatment plan or the outlook of the disease.
• Diagnosis: Doctors typically diagnose either CLL or SLL, not both. The choice of name depends on where most cancer cells are found.
• Symptoms: CLL and SLL share symptoms, potential causes, and treatments. However, the symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor in the body.

Both CLL and SLL are slow-growing cancers that are treated in the same way, regardless of the name they go by. The distinction between CLL and SLL doesn't influence the outlook of the disease, and many people live with these conditions for a long time.

Comparative Table: CLL vs SLL

CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) and SLL (Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma) are different manifestations of the same cancer, both being types of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They share symptoms, potential causes, and treatments, but differ in the areas they affect. Here is a table highlighting the differences between CLL and SLL:

Treatment for both CLL and SLL is identical, but it may vary depending on the person's overall health, age, and the stage of the cancer.