It is the most common leukemia in the U.S. and primarily occurs in older individuals. The median age at diagnosis is 55-60 years old with males being affected twice as often as females. The cause of CLL is unknown.

In CLL, a clone of malignant, mature lymphocytes accumulates in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues. It is most often diagnosed incidentally during a routine physical exam where the blood count is checked. (The white blood cell count will be abnormally high.) Later findings can include: anemia, low platelet count, recurrent infections, fever, night sweats, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, or an enlarged spleen and liver.

The major prognostic factor in CLL is the stage. Infection and bleeding are the major causes

of death from CLL.

Stage	Median Survival
Stage 0 (elevated lymphocyte count)	12+ years
Stage I (elevated lymphocyte count + enlarged lymph nodes)	8+ years
Stage II (elevated lymphocyte count + enlarged liver or spleen)	6 years
Stage III (elevated lymphocyte count + anemia)	4 years
Stage IV (elevated lymphocyte count + low platelet count)	4 years

Underwriting of this impairment depends upon the stage and age of the client:

Stage                          Age                              Rating

0                           < 50 years old           Decline

50-59 years old         Table G

60+ years old            Table D

I < 60 years old         Decline

60+ years old with

normal CBC and liver/

spleen size                Table E

Stages II, III, IV would be declined on an individual basis but may be considered highly substandard for survivorship if stable.

This material is intended for insurance informational purposes only and is not personal medical advice for clients.