What does chronic lymphocytic leukemia primarily affect?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) primarily affects white blood cells, specifically the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. In CLL, the body produces an excessive number of abnormal lymphocytes that do not function properly. These white blood cells accumulate in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues, leading to various symptoms and potentially impacting the immune system's ability to fight infections.

The focus on white blood cells is crucial because CLL originates from the uncontrolled proliferation of these lymphocytes, which gradually replace normal cells in the bone marrow. This condition may result in complications such as anemia due to insufficient red blood cells, but the root cause of CLL lies in the abnormal white blood cell production. Understanding the role of white blood cells in this context helps to clarify the pathophysiology of the disease and its clinical manifestations.