CLL BLOOD WORK

[mamajama]

Hi, does the BIG blood test for CLL also detect other cancers....thank you. my dr advised me to put my CLL in the back of my mind.....still watch and wait is a concern.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Not sure about BIG... two tests in CLL are flow cytometry, which confirms you have CLL and not another lymphoma,.... the second is a FISH panel and it will look at 6 perhaps 8 points on your chromosomes in B cells for damage, or perhaps an addition, a bit of broken chromosome stuck to another...

These tests are CLL specific and say nothing about other possible cancers, although the same tests could be altered and used to detect other cancers...

~chris

[mamajama in reply to Cllcanada]

Thank you.

[Leshere]

A lot of people seem to suggest you should see a Dermatologist and get your skin scanned and inspected. My understanding here is a link between CLL and certain other Cancers. See patientpower.info/video/are...

[Newdawn Administrator]

It's true Les that there's is an established 8-10 times increased risk of CLL'ers developing skin cancers but they are not detected using the standard CLL blood tests. That does indeed need to be done through regular skin surveillance and if possible, an annual check by a dermatologist (though you'll be very lucky to get one on the NHS).

This is my understanding of the situation. Blood tests aren't used to test for malignant melanoma skin cancer but your lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are checked if there's a suspicion that the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body.

Currently, the main use for LDH is as a general indicator of the existence and severity of acute or chronic tissue damage and, sometimes, as a monitor of progressive conditions.

Elevated levels can indicate the presence of cancer but it's also indicative of a host of other conditions including high platelet counts and even strenuous exercise. The problem with CLL'ers could be that inflammatory markers are already elevated as a result of the condition.

Any concerns about a secondary cancer would require the usual examinations, scans and blood tests and it's important that we receive regular screening such as PAP smears, mammograms and ideally a colonoscopy.

There are blood tests specific to certain cancers such as the CA125 test for ovarian cancer markers and the PSA test for prostate cancer.

It's undeniable that we are at risk of secondary cancers mamajama but like the rest of the non affected population, regular checks and surveillance are necessary if anything untoward is suspected. It's certainly best not to get totally hung up on these things however just be aware because knowledge is power.

Regards,

Newdawn

[Meic13]

i would suggest while it might not need to be all you ever thing about, i would advice the view that W&W offer you a change to learn, to make healthy living choices and to set your mind at ease by catching some of the very positive vision that others have about the condition.

[ap64]

I agree that w and w is a concern. I have been on the CLL train about the same length of time as u have. I am pretty good with the whole thing now. I could probably forget it if I didn't have to be a bit of a germophobe. It is hard to put something on the back burner when you have to be scrupulous about hand washing and careful not to kiss the grandkids too much etc. Try not to think of other cancers though. Cross that bridge only if you have to and let's hope you won't.

[mamajama in reply to ap64]

Thank you...I too wash hands seems like a hundred times a day. I to stay away from my grand babies while sick....breaks my heart. You have a good day!

[Fiona2014 in reply to ap64]

As I am new to CLL diagnosis and WW, I'm trying to balance my work (community health care) with vulnerability to germ exposure. I suppose my resistance is elevated (due to constant exposure); in stating this, my work environment exposes me to superbugs (more recently shingles) on a daily basis.

I've been pro-active with my vaccines (flu, pneumovax, and Zostavax)- no illnesses to date. In reflecting on my previous posts, I query my longevity in the working world- weighing risks against benefits.

[pkpayne]

When I told my dermatologist that I was dx'd with CLL she told me that she wanted to see me twice a year instead of my usual once yearly check. On the first visit she found a squamous cell carcinoma on the back of my left shoulder and it was removed with the Mohs procedure. At the last appointment she found a basal cell carcinoma on top of my right shoulder and I just had that removed with the Mohs procedure last week. While I don't know any blood tests that will tell any more about additional skin cancers, it is definitely a good idea to have yourself checked regularly.

[kathypawpaw in reply to pkpayne]

Dear pkpayne,

I had a similar experience and would also encourage everyone to do twice a year skin check ups.

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to kathypawpaw]

How I agree with you but regrettably the NHS cannot or won't provide this 'surveillance' service routinely for CLL'ers. I was kept on by the fantastic Dermatologist for the first year following my melanoma treatment but after that passed back to my own GP (who doesn't check me out). So my husband is now the chief mole watcher.

I do however have the option of being referred straight back to the Dermatologist but only if I detect a further suspicious looking mole.

I do know of another CLL'er who was refused a surveillance check by a Dermatologist because he claimed the service was too over subscribed to provide this. It concerns me because I know my GP didn't recognise my malignant melanoma as being serious.

Newdawn

[Leshere in reply to Newdawn]

I have not tried yet but can believe it. Anyone with a suspicious mole etc is entitled to have it checked by their GP, but GP services are often overstretched. There are a variety of private services available often involving screening by a trained nurse. Costs seem to be a bit less than £200.