Leukemia Symptoms
Common leukemia symptoms may include fevers or night sweats, frequent infections, feeling weak or tired, and headaches. Other common symptoms of leukemia include swelling or discomfort in the abdomen, swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck or armpit), and bleeding or bruising easily. In acute cases of the cancer, leukemia symptoms may also include vomiting, confusion, and seizures.
Leukemia Symptoms: An Introduction
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 leukemia symptoms.
Common leukemia symptoms may include:
- Fevers or night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Feeling weak or tired
- Headaches
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from an enlarged spleen)
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit
- Weight loss
- Bleeding and bruising easily (e.g., bleeding gums, purplish patches in the skin, or tiny red spots under the skin).
These symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another problem could also cause these symptoms. People who have possible leukemia symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible because only a doctor can make a leukemia diagnosis and treat the problem.
Chronic Leukemia Symptoms
In the early stages of
chronic leukemia, the leukemia cells function almost normally. Doctors will often find chronic leukemia during a routine checkup before there are any leukemia symptoms. When leukemia symptoms do appear, they generally are mild at first and progress gradually.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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