In individuals over 65 years old, which type of leukemia is most commonly seen?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is indeed the most commonly diagnosed type of leukemia in individuals over the age of 65. This is largely due to the disease's association with older age and its slow progression, often allowing for asymptomatic presentation in the elderly population.

CLL primarily affects B lymphocytes and is characterized by the accumulation of these cells in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues. The average age of diagnosis is around 70 years, which puts older adults at a higher risk for the disease. This gradual accumulation allows for a longer asymptomatic phase, making it frequently diagnosed during routine blood tests for other conditions.

In contrast, other types of leukemia typically present differently or at a younger age. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) can also occur in older adults but is less common than CLL in this demographic. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is more prevalent in children and young adults, making it less relevant for the older population. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has a higher incidence in middle-aged to older adults, yet it still occurs less frequently than CLL in those over 65. Thus, when directly considering the prevalence of leukemia types in older individuals, CLL stands