Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when abnormal blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. Leukemia can be acute or chronic and may affect people of all ages.

While there are many types of leukemia, they all have common symptoms that should not be ignored. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of leukemia that require medical attention.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It affects the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections and diseases. Leukemia begins in the bone marrow when the marrow produces abnormal white blood cells.

These abnormal cells are called leukemia cells, and they do not function like normal white blood cells. Over time, leukemia cells can crowd out normal blood cells, leading to anemia, bleeding problems, and infections.

Acute vs. Chronic Leukemia

Leukemia can be classified into two types: acute or chronic. In acute leukemia, abnormal white blood cells are produced rapidly and do not function properly.

In chronic leukemia, abnormal white blood cells develop slowly and may function normally for some time before problems develop.

Symptoms of Leukemia

There are several symptoms of leukemia that should not be ignored. These symptoms may also be present in other medical conditions, but they should always be evaluated by a doctor.

1. Fatigue and Weakness

One of the most common symptoms of leukemia is fatigue and weakness. This may be due to anemia or a lack of normal white blood cells. Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

2. Frequent Infections

Leukemia can cause a decrease in normal white blood cells, which can lead to a weakened immune system. This can result in frequent infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or bladder infections.

3. Bruising and Bleeding

Leukemia can affect platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. This can lead to unexplained bruises, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds. In severe cases, bleeding may be spontaneous or difficult to control.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Leukemia can affect the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections and diseases. Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign that leukemia cells have invaded the lymphatic system.

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5. Bone and Joint Pain

Leukemia can cause bone and joint pain, which may be due to the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to pain in the long bones, such as the arms and legs, or the pelvis.

6. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

Leukemia can cause a loss of appetite and weight loss, which may be due to anemia or the cancer cells themselves. This can lead to malnutrition and weakness.

7. Night Sweats

Night sweats are another common symptom of leukemia. This may be due to fever or the body’s reaction to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

8. Abdominal Pain and Swelling

If leukemia cells invade the liver or spleen, they can cause abdominal pain and swelling. This may be due to an enlarged liver or spleen or the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells in the abdominal organs.

9. Headaches and Vision Changes

Leukemia can cause headaches and vision changes, which may be due to an increase in pressure inside the skull. This may occur if leukemia cells invade the central nervous system.

10. Shortness of Breath

If leukemia cells invade the lungs, they can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing. This may be due to an inflammation of the lung tissue or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

When to See a Doctor

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation. While these symptoms may also be present in other medical conditions, they should not be ignored.

Early detection and treatment of leukemia can improve outcomes and quality of life.

Conclusion

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It can be acute or chronic and may affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of leukemia include fatigue and weakness, frequent infections, bruising and bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, bone and joint pain, loss of appetite and weight loss, night sweats, abdominal pain and swelling, headaches and vision changes, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms may also be present in other medical conditions, they should always be evaluated by a doctor.