| Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel
through the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where
these cells collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms.
Common symptoms of leukemia may include:
Fevers or night sweats- Frequent infections
- Feeling weak or tired
- Headache
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit
- Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from an enlarged spleen)
- Bleeding and bruising easily (bleeding gums, purplish patches
in the skin, or tiny red spots under the skin)
Such symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another
problem also could cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms
should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose
and treat the problem.
In the early stages of chronic leukemia, the leukemia cells function
almost normally. Symptoms may not appear for a long time. Doctors
often find chronic leukemia during a routine checkup—before there
are any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they generally are mild
at first and get worse gradually.
In acute leukemia, symptoms appear and get worse quickly. People
with this disease go to their doctor because they feel sick. Other
symptoms of acute leukemia are vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle
control, and seizures. Leukemia cells also can collect in the testicles
and cause swelling. Also, some patients develop sores in the eyes
or on the skin. Leukemia also can affect the digestive tract, kidneys,
lungs, or other parts of the body.
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