Warning Signs of Leukemia

A cancer of blood-forming tissues is referred to as leukemia. It is a disorder of bone marrow. In this type of cancer, millions of abnormal white blood cells are formed. There are four major types of leukemia such as acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The term lymphocytic indicates the cancerous changes in the type of bone marrow cells, which form lymphocytes. In myelogenous or myeloid leukemia, the changes take place in a type of marrow cell that form red cells, some types of white cells and platelets. Acute leukemia is commonly seen in childhood. Acute myelogenous leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia are composed of blast cells, called myeloblasts or lymphoblasts. There are some other rare types of leukemia such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia.

The primary indications of leukemia are often vague or nonspecific. Signs and symptoms of each type of leukemia are different. However, some general warning signs of leukemia are as follows:

• Excessive tiredness
• Persistent infections
• Breathlessness
• Abnormal bleeding
• Slow healing of cuts
• Pain in bones and joints
• Night sweats
• Paleness
• Excessive bruising
• Persistent fevers
• Enlarged lymph glands, spleen and liver
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Pathological fractures
• Small red spots under the skin
• Black and blue marks for no known reason
• Swollen, bleeding gums

The severity of symptoms depends upon the number of abnormal blood cells. In acute type of leukemia, symptoms appear quickly and get worse rapidly. Some other symptoms of acute leukemia are loss of muscle control, confusion, vomiting and seizures. In a chronic type of leukemia, symptoms may not appear for a long time. Leukemia can also affect kidneys, digestive system, lungs or other body parts.

The early symptoms of leukemia may resemble the symptoms of flu or other common illnesses. But, they should not be neglected. Since leukemia is a fatal disease, you should immediately seek medical treatment, as soon as these warning signs of leukemia are observed.