Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. It usually begins in the white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Unlike normal white blood cells, leukemia cells don’t function properly and grow out of control, eventually crowding out healthy blood cells. Because of this, the symptoms of leukemia can be diverse and sometimes vague in the early stages. 

Leukemia primarily targets the white blood cells, which play a vital role in defending the body against infection. However, in leukemia, these cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, interfering with the production of healthy blood cells and compromising the body’s immune system, oxygen delivery, and ability to clot blood.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a broad term for cancers that affect the blood-forming tissues, primarily the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It is classified into several types based on how quickly the disease progresses (acute or chronic) and the type of blood cell affected (lymphocytic or myeloid). The four main types include :-

1. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
2. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
3. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
4. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

The symptoms may vary depending on the type of leukemia, but many signs are common across all forms.

Common Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia symptoms often appear slowly and can be mistaken for other common illnesses. However, when these symptoms persist or worsen, they should not be ignored. Below are the key symptoms to watch out for.

1. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness :- One of the most common early symptoms of leukemia is chronic fatigue. This happens due to anemia, a condition where your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. As leukemia cells crowd out the red blood cells, the body’s energy levels drop, leaving the person feeling unusually tired and weak, even after adequate rest.
2. Frequent Infections :- Leukemia affects the white blood cells, which are essential for your immune system to function properly. Because leukemia cells are abnormal and don’t fight infection effectively, and because healthy white blood cells are reduced, the body’s ability to fight infections weakens. As a result, patients often suffer from frequent or recurring infections, such as throat infections, pneumonia, or skin infections.
3. Unexplained Fever and Night Sweats :- Many people with leukemia experience low-grade fevers that seem to come and go without an obvious reason. Night sweats episodes of excessive sweating during sleep are also common and can drench clothing and sheets. These symptoms are typically linked to the body’s immune response to the presence of cancer cells.
4. Easy Bruising and Bleeding :- A noticeable sign of leukemia is an increased tendency to bruise or bleed easily. This may include frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or small red spots on the skin called petechiae. The reason behind this is a low platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, and when their levels are reduced, even minor injuries can cause significant bleeding.
5. Pale Skin and Shortness of Breath :- As red blood cells decrease, oxygen delivery throughout the body is impaired. This can cause a person to look unusually pale and feel short of breath after minimal physical exertion. In many cases, this symptom is a sign of anemia related to leukemia and should not be overlooked.
6. Swollen Lymph Nodes :- Leukemia can lead to swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, underarms, or groin. These are often painless and may be discovered incidentally during a routine physical exam. Sometimes, these swollen nodes are one of the first signs a person notices.
7. Bone or Joint Pain :- Another frequently reported symptom is pain in the bones or joints, often caused by the overcrowding of leukemia cells in the bone marrow. This pain may be sharp or dull and tends to be localized in the legs, arms, or chest.
8. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss :- People with leukemia may experience a reduced appetite, often accompanied by unintentional weight loss. In some cases, the spleen or liver may become enlarged, pressing against the stomach and leading to a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts of food.
9. Abdominal Discomfort or Fullness :- An enlarged spleen or liver may not only cause loss of appetite but also result in a sense of fullness or bloating in the upper abdomen. This may be felt as discomfort, pain, or a noticeable bulge on the left side of the stomach area.

When to See a Doctor?

If you or a loved one experiences any combination of the above symptoms over an extended period, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. While many of these symptoms are non-specific and can result from various illnesses, persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.

Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment success, particularly with acute forms of leukemia, which progress rapidly. A blood test can often detect abnormalities in white and red blood cells or platelets, prompting further investigation like a bone marrow biopsy.

Conclusion

Leukemia is a serious but increasingly treatable cancer, especially when detected early. Recognizing the early symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, and weight loss can prompt timely medical attention and potentially life-saving intervention.