Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a type of blood cancer. It is the same as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

SLL and CLL develop when B-cells become abnormal (cancerous). B-cells are white blood cells that normally help fight infection. They are sometimes called B-lymphocytes. Although they have different names, they develop from the same type of B-cell.

Previously, when the abnormal B-cells were mostly in the lymph nodes and spleen, the type of blood cancer was called SLL. When the abnormal B-cells were mostly in the blood and bone marrow, it was called CLL. Most people have abnormal cells in the lymph nodes, spleen, blood and bone marrow. This is why SLL and CLL now considered to be the same condition.

It is more common as people get older. It usually develops slowly. You may not need treatment straightaway.

If you are a healthcare professional, use our guide to find the right information and support for your patients affected by lymphoma. This explains the support available from Macmillan and from other trusted organisations.

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Everyone has their own way of dealing with illness and the different emotions they experience. You may find it helpful to talk things over with family and friends or your doctor or nurse.

Macmillan is also here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. 
• Chat to our specialists online. 
• Visit our non-Hodgkin lymphoma forum to talk with people who have been affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.

We know cancer can affect you physically, emotionally and financially. We have information and advice about different ways cancer might impact you, such as help with:

• money and work
• how you're feeling
• uncertainty
• trouble sleeping
• tiredness and fatigue
• managing pain and discomfort
• eating problems and your appetite
• walking and mobility problems.

The organisations below also offer information and support:

When someone you know is diagnosed with lymphoma, it can be difficult to know how to support them. You may want information to help you understand what they are going through. Or you may be worried about what to say.

We have information to help with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone. You can also talk to us by:

• calling the Macmillan Support Line
• using chat online
• visiting our family and friends forum to talk with people who are supporting someone with cancer, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.