15 Symptoms of Leukemia

Those with leukemia may develop frequent fevers that are generally low-grade and may be accompanied by chills in some cases. Traditional treatments for fever might help bring the temperature down, but the symptom will often return. Persistent or recurring fever is a sign that medical evaluation is necessary.

Leukemia also causes spontaneous and excessive bleeding. Nosebleeds and bleeding gums are common. Larger than normal amounts of blood may flow from small wounds, and wounds often take much longer to close and repair. Women may experience extremely heavy menstrual blood flow. This sign occurs because leukemia leads to low platelet count, which alters the body's clotting mechanism.

People with leukemia tend to develop red spots in the skin or petechiae. These small, reddish dots are less than 3 mm in diameter occur due to internal bleeding from small broken blood vessels. Some people may also notice frequent and dark bruising. Both petechiae and bruises are caused by a low platelet count, which leads to bleeding in superficial layers of skin.

Leukemia can cause breathing difficulties. Lymph nodes in the chest may swell and push against the windpipe, restricting breathing and causing an individual to cough and wheeze. In leukemia and other cancers, shortness of breath may also be caused by inflammation or infection of the lungs in the case of anemia, or stress or anxiety. Breathing may also become painful.

When the bloodstream is deficient in red blood cells, the body transports insufficient quantities of oxygen-rich blood. This results in anemia, which causes symptoms such as pale skin, fatigue, weakness and palpitations, and shortness of breath. In very young children, the low blood supply to the brain may lead to slurring of speech.

Bone and joint pain usually develops because the bone marrow has become overcrowded, filled with cancer cells. Joint pain and swelling typically occur several weeks after the first experiences of pain. Typically, pain affects large joints such as the hips and shoulders and the long bones of the arm and legs, as well as the ribs. Common pain-relieving treatments might provide temporary relief, but the aches will return.

People with leukemia often complain of intestinal problems such as stomach aches and bloating. Leukemia cells cluster in the spleen, liver, and kidneys, which causes swelling leading to pain and feelings of fullness, even if a person has not eaten. In some cases, abdominal swelling may be physically apparent and noticed from the outside.

Leukemia can cause people to lose weight quickly and unintentionally. The overproduction of abnormal white blood cells leads to higher energy consumption, which can cause weight loss. Also, abdominal discomforts such as pain and bloating often cause a loss of appetite, which contributes to this symptom.

The lymph nodes are responsible for filtering blood from microbes, cancerous cells, and other harmful substances. Clusters of leukemia cells may collect in the lymph nodes and cause them to swell. Pain or persistent swelling of the neck, armpit, collarbone region, or groin should alert one to a potential issue and prompt medical attention.

Leukemia can cause recurrent infections, particularly bacterial and viral diseases. The abnormal white blood cells cannot facilitate the natural immune response to microbes, leading to frequent illnesses. Neutropenia is a low level of neutrophils, white blood cells that are a healthy body's main defense against infection. Without them, infectious illnesses can continue to spread.

Frequent night sweats are a concerning symptom that can disrupt a leukemia patient's sleep and overall well-being. These night sweats are often characterized by excessive perspiration that often drenches the patients clothing and beddings. They are typically accompanied by other leukemia-related symptoms, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue. Night sweats in leukemia are a consequence of the body's immune response to the cancer, and their intensity can vary from person to person. They serve as a clear early indicator that medical attention is required for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Cognitive impairment, while not as widely recognized as some other leukemia symptoms, can significantly impact a patient's daily life. Individuals with leukemia may experience memory lapses, confusion, and difficulties in focusing and processing information. These cognitive challenges often result from the disease's impact on the central nervous system (CNS). This aspect of leukemia highlights the importance of holistic patient care, addressing not only physical symptoms but also cognitive and emotional well-being throughout the course of treatment.

Leukemia can lead to various vision disturbances that may range from mild to severe. Blurred vision, double vision, and, in rare cases, vision loss can result from the illness. The underlying mechanisms for these visual issues are complex but often involve the disease's effect on the blood vessels of the eye or the central nervous system. Proper ophthalmologic evaluation and care are crucial for managing vision disturbances in leukemia patients. Prompt identification and intervention can help maintain or improve the patient's visual function and quality of life.

Seizures, though relatively rare in leukemia, are severe neurological symptoms that demand immediate medical attention. They occur when leukemia affects the brain and central nervous system, leading to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can be frightening and debilitating for patients and their families. They are usually associated with advanced leukemia and may require comprehensive neurologic assessment and intervention. The management of seizures often involves medications to control the abnormal brain activity and ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Hiccups, while not directly linked to leukemia, can sometimes be associated with this blood cancer in certain scenarios. The weakened immune system caused by leukemia makes patients more susceptible to infections, some of which can result in hiccups as an unusual symptom. In rare cases, leukemia-related complications, such as bleeding disorders, could indirectly lead to hiccups.

It is key to recognize these symptoms early on and consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice. When detected early on, medical professionals can workhand in hand with the patient to improve their quality of life through targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. They also guide patients on the proactive decisions they should make regarding their health journey.