Large Granular Leukemia (LGL)

Leukaemia is colloquially called blood cancer. This is a malignant change in the cells of the blood and lymph system. Mainly, the changes occur with cells in the bone marrow, which divide many times and can reach all areas of the body with the blood. There are acute and chronic forms, with acute symptoms occurring early, and chronic – later. 

Large granular leukaemia is very rare and belongs to aggressive tumours. It consists of young T-cells, and T-cells (T-lymphocytes) are the most formidable fighters of immunity since they destroy foreign bacteria and the body’s diseased cells. Single leukaemia cell tumours can appear anywhere in the body, although more often with this disease, lymph nodes are enlarged in groups in the neck, armpits, groin and other places. Enlarged knots can be felt by hand.

Symptoms of the disease

The cause of the disease is often unknown. However, in many cases, they include severe radiation (such as radiation therapy), carcinogens (such as benzene), viruses, and some gene modifications. As normal blood cell growth is suppressed by an increase in cancer cell mass, symptoms such as fatigue, disruption of work, bleeding, increased susceptibility to infection, and fever, night sweats, and weight loss occur. 

Lack of treatment (especially in acute forms) can lead to death within a few months. Therefore, early initiation of treatment for leukaemia by a hematonacologist (specialist in haematological and cancer diseases) is essential.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

The specialists of the leading Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic have been specializing in the treatment of various pathologies of the circulatory system, including leukaemia, for more than 10 years. Our department is equipped with the latest equipment that helps to identify a dangerous ailment at the initial stage. All medical personnel undergo special training annually at leading foreign research centres.

To make the correct diagnosis, the doctor conducts the following examination: 

• Examination and collection of anamnesis of the disease; 
• Ultrasound; 
• MRI; 
• Biopsy; 
• Analysis of blood and urine; 
• PET and others. 

Based on the data obtained, the doctor will develop an individual therapy regimen, taking into account the characteristics of the development of the disease and the general condition of the patient. As a treatment, conservative methods of therapy are often used. If they are ineffective, the doctor decides on a bone marrow transplant.