Leukemia symptoms vary depending on the type of leukemia and can be very vague or resemble other illnesses. This makes it difficult to diagnose.
A common symptom is fatigue, which can be difficult to deal with for someone who has leukemia. Fatigue is the body’s way of telling you that there isn’t enough red blood cells in your system to transport oxygen around your body.
Another symptom that can be very difficult to ignore is the appearance of petechiae, tiny red spots on your skin that are caused by a small blood vessel under the surface breaking open. The blood escapes from this capillary and rises to the surface of your skin, forming these pinpoint-sized spots, which can be very painful.
This is a very common symptom in children with leukemia. It may also occur in adults with the disease.
During an infection, these abnormal white blood cells can attack the body’s healthy blood cells and prevent them from clotting properly. This can lead to serious infections that can be life-threatening.
Many patients with leukemia also develop a rash called petechiae, which looks like tiny blood vessels under the skin have broken open. This happens because the blood has low levels of platelets, which normally help clot blood.
The number of red and white blood cells can also become low. This is a sign that your immune system is being suppressed by the cancerous cells in your body. This can result in infections and make it harder for your body to fight off illness, according to the American Cancer Society.
Other Symptoms of Leukemia
If you have leukemia, the cancer can spread to your lymph nodes and other parts of your body, including your lungs. The cancer can also affect the spleen, liver, and central nervous system.
Some people with leukemia experience pain in their abdomen or back. This can be very uncomfortable and can cause weight loss.
Other symptoms of leukemia that are more recognizable include fever, night sweats, and vomiting. If you have a fever, it’s important to call your doctor as soon as possible.
You should also get checked out for anemia, which is a lack of red blood cells in your system. If you have anemia, it’s hard to breathe and can make your heart palpitations feel worse.
Having shortness of breath is one of the most common leukemia symptoms in kids and adults. This is because anemia causes a shortage of red blood cells in your body, which can make it hard for your organs and tissues to receive the oxygen they need.
This can be very difficult for you to live with and it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that you’re getting plenty of vitamin C, zinc and magnesium in your diet as these nutrients are known to support your bone marrow function.
A blood test can be an easy way to check for the presence of leukemia and to see if it’s in its early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends getting a complete blood count, which includes a white blood cell count and red blood cell count.
