As flow cytometry is more widely utilized, more individuals with a mild absolute lymphocytosis will have a flow cytometric evaluation. In many laboratories, identification of a CLL-like population leads to a report stating “a clonal population consistent with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma has been identified”. This language may need to be revised to include the possibility the findings represent MBL. Due to recent updates to the diagnostic criteria for CLL(26, 30) many individuals fulfilling the criteria for a diagnosis of clinical MBL will have previously been given a diagnosis of CLL.(20, 31) Due to significant differences in risk and clinical outcome(20, 27, 31), it is important to inform such patient that the correct diagnosis is MBL, provide education that MBL is not a malignant diagnosis, and discuss the appropriate monitoring and follow-up. With time and counseling, most patients will understand that clinical MBL and CLL fall upon a continuum. The distinction that an MBL diagnosis indicates a higher lifetime risk of developing CLL, rather than being a diagnosis of leukemia, avoids the unnecessary distress
