Tests and next steps

Main tests for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Your doctor will do tests to check if you have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

The main tests are blood tests to check your blood cells and look for signs of cancer.

These may be done by a GP or a specialist.

Getting your results

Your doctor will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Being told you have cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, during and after treatment.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Next steps

If you've been told you have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, you'll usually need more tests, such as:

• scans, like a CT scan or ultrasound scan
• a chest X-ray
• blood and bone marrow tests

These tests will help the specialists find out how much the cancer has developed (called the stage).

This will help the doctors decide if you need to have treatment or plan your treatment if you need it.