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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Radiotherapy| treats cancer by using high-energy rays to destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. It’s not often used to treat CLL, but is sometimes used if your lymph nodes or spleen are very enlarged.
Radiotherapy is given in the hospital radiotherapy department and consists of daily treatments which last a few minutes.
The treatments are usually given Monday–Friday, with a rest at the weekend. Radiotherapy treatment for CLL will usually be given for one or two weeks. You can usually have radiotherapy as an outpatient.
The side effects| of radiotherapy will vary, depending on which part of the body is being treated. Radiotherapy to the spleen may make you feel sick| or cause diarrhoea|.
Our section on radiotherapy| has further information about this treatment.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.