Leukaemia

Leukemia Symptoms - Warning Signs and Diagnosis in India

Leukaemia is a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues. This short explains some of the common symptoms that you might notice.

Common symptoms of leukaemia

Symptoms can develop slowly for chronic leukaemia or quickly for acute leukaemia. They are often similar to symptoms of other, less serious illnesses.

• Persistent fatigue. Feeling very tired all the time is a common sign. This fatigue is often extreme and does not get better with rest.
• Bruising and bleeding. You may notice that you bruise very easily. You might also have frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or tiny red spots on your skin.
• Frequent infections. Leukaemia can affect your white blood cells, which fight infection. This can lead to you getting ill more often, or infections lasting longer than usual.
• Fever or chills. Unexplained fevers or night sweats can be a symptom of leukaemia.

Other possible signs

• Unexplained weight loss. Losing weight without trying can be a sign. You may also experience a loss of appetite.
• Swollen lymph nodes. You might feel painless lumps in your neck, armpits, or groin. An enlarged spleen or liver can also cause a feeling of fullness in your abdomen.
• Pain or tenderness. Some people experience pain in their bones or joints.
• Shortness of breath. Anaemia, caused by a lack of red blood cells, can make you feel breathless, dizzy, or look pale.

The suitability of any treatment depends on your individual case. A specialist can give you an opinion after reviewing your medical reports and recent imaging.