Australia
A 73-year-old male asked:
Does monoclonal b-cell lymphocytosis make the patient more vulnerable to infections, e.g., hypostatic pneumonia? is monoclonal b-cell lymphocytosis capable of transforming into acute leukemia?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sewa Leghaanswered
Medical Oncology 52 years experience
Still not well known: This is a newly recognized entity, so there is not much known about it. It is likely a precursor of chronic lymphocytic leukemia(cll) which as you know can stay in this stable indolent phase for many years. That is what you need to hope for. Unless it progresses, you do not need to worry about it for a long time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. William Hammondanswered
Medical Oncology 51 years experience
No infections in MBL: The definition of mbl is an elevated lymphocyte count with a lack of symptoms or complications. It can transform into cll (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), in which low immunoglobulins and the abnormal b lymphocytes can indeed cause increased infections. Neither of these has been associated with transformation to acute leukemia, although cll can become an aggressive lymphoma.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 23, 2017
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