CD38 (Plasma Cell / Prognostic Cll Marker)

The CD38 Plasma Cell Test is a blood sample test that offers an accurate clinical diagnosis of the presence of CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). This disease is a cancer that originates in your blood and bone marrow and has detrimental effects on your body.

To understand the disease better, let's break down its name first. The word 'chronic' is an indication that the disease progresses slower than other forms of Leukemia. Secondly, the term 'Lymphocytic' stands for the cells affected by the disease, i.e., Lymphocytes (White Blood Cells).

Therefore, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia refers to a bone marrow cancer that progresses gradually. The disease might not display a lot of symptoms at first, but they will show up once the cancer progresses. Here are some of the most notable symptoms of CLL:

• Night sweats 
• Frequent infections 
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Enlarged yet painless lymph nodes
• Abdominal pain (upper left portion) -  caused by an enlarged spleen

The cause of CLL is not yet known, but experts do know that it is caused due to cellular mutations within the human body. This refers to the blood-producing cells in particular, and hence they end up producing more defective lymphocytes. As the number of these lymphocytes increases, the number of healthy lymphocytes goes down.

As a result, the cancer will interfere with healthy blood cell production. Although the cause of the cancer is still unknown, health experts have narrowed down several risk factors that might increase your chances of contracting it. They are as follows:

• Exposure to chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, etc.
• Ailments like Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis. 
• Family history of bone marrow and blood cancer. 
• Age: The risk is higher for older individuals. 
• Race: People who are caucasian/white are at a higher risk. 
• Ethnicity: People who are Eastern European or Russian Jew have a higher risk.

Constant exposure to such risk factors can significantly increase your likelihood of contracting the disease and serious complications such as:

• Immune system issues
• Increased risk of other and more dangerous forms of cancer
• Frequent infections 
• A switch to a much more faster and aggressive form of cancer

Just like any other form of cancer, you need to catch this disease quite early on. You can then start treatment beforehand and get ahead of the ailment. If you suspect that you have CLL, you can opt for Apollo 24|7!

If you notice in any swelling in lymph nodes, consult a physician immediately. Here are a few questions they might ask you to get a better understanding of the situation:

• Have you had a fever for some time now?
• Do you experience shortness of breath? 
• What kinds of medication do you consume?
• Are you constantly losing weight?
• Have you had any recurring infections recently?
• Have you been injured recently?
• Have you been diagnosed with an immune system disease recently?

The disease will progress gradually for people who are in the initial stages of CLL. The cancer spreads faster if you are closer to its final stages. Here is the risk attribution to every stage of CLL:

• Stage 0: Low risk
• Stages 1 and 2: Intermediate risk
• Stages 3 and 4: High risk

So, get the CD38 test done now! The CD38 test cost is as per the market standards, and you will receive the test results within 72 hours. 
 

Frequently asked questions

Are there any risks associated with the CD38 Plasma Cell Test?

No, there are no such risks associated with the CD38 test. The test uses a blood sample, and you might experience some light scarring or bleeding at the point of contact with the needle.

What food items must you stay away from if you have been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

The one thing that CLL patients must remember is to stay away from raw food. Eat only well-cooked food, especially when it comes to meat and eggs. Use the following steps to make sure you maintain a healthy diet: Cook eggs till the yolk is hard and the meat till it is well-done. Wash fruits and vegetables properly.  Stay away from salad bars, raw sprouts, cheese, unpasteurized dairy products, etc.

What signs suggest that your Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is getting worse?

Here are some of the signs that suggest that your CLL has progressed quite a bit and is getting worse: Fever  Unexplained weight loss Swollen lymph nodes  Considerable fatigue  Night sweats

Can Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia affect your vision?

Although this is quite rare, CLL can have a detrimental impact on your eyes as well. Here are some of the vision changes associated with this cancer: Optic Neuropathy Conjunctival Vascular Changes Retinal Detachment Glaucoma Iris Infiltration Uveitis

Does Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia affect you emotionally as well?

Yes, CLL can affect your mental health significantly. It can lead to symptoms like: Difficulty in dealing with emotions  Sadness Anger Anxiety  Difficulty in coping with stress

How do you treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Here are some ways you can treat CLL: Bone marrow transplant  Targeted drug therapy Chemotherapy  Immunotherapy