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16 common signs of leukemia

16 common signs of leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting white blood cells and bone marrow. While some forms of the condition are more common in those under 15 years of age, other types of leukemia mostly affect those over 55. The treatment here aims to eliminate cancerous cells, promote the production of healthy blood cells, and help in managing symptoms. Here are some common signs of leukemia that should prompt one to seek diagnosis and treatment:

1. Frequent infections
The bone marrow is responsible for creating a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. However, when affected by leukemia, the bone marrow produces white blood cells that never mature and instead multiply and enter the bloodstream. These abnormal lymphocytes are then unable to protect the body from infections and weaken the immune system. This makes it difficult to fight off pathogens and keep viral and bacterial infections at bay. So, if one falls sick more frequently and takes an abnormally long time to recover, they should consult a doctor.

2. Red spots on the skin
If one notices small red spots on the skin, it may be a sign of leukemia. Abnormal white blood cells can disrupt blood clotting and make tiny blood vessels under the skin more fragile, resulting in these spots. The spots are more commonly seen on the arms and legs.

3. Enlarged lymph nodes
Leukemia can cause the enlargement of lymph nodes throughout the body, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin. When cancerous lymphocytes grow, they may get deposited in the lymph nodes. This symptom may worsen if left untreated.

4. Loss of appetite
Leukemia can lead to a noticeable decrease in appetite, often accompanied by loss of body mass. This symptom may result from the impact of abnormal blood cells on the body’s overall functioning.

5. Pale skin
Leukemia can cause anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells in the body. Anemia can make the skin appear pale and dull.

6. Tenderness below the ribcage
Leukemia can sometimes cause discomfort or tenderness below the ribcage due to an enlarged spleen or liver. Enlarged organs are a common manifestation of the disease, causing tenderness in the body.

7. Unexplained bruising
Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and healing wounds, but leukemia can impair their production. This can often lead to easy, frequent, and prolonged bruising marked by purple skin discolorations. The bruising can develop either after suffering minor wounds or without any apparent injury.

8. Fatigue and weakness
Leukemia may cause unexplained tiredness or fatigue that may persist despite getting uninterrupted 7 to 8 hours of night sleep. This fatigue is frequently attributed to a shortage of red blood cells as a result of the disease, which reduces the level of oxygen supply to the body tissues and organs.

9. Nosebleeds
Leukemia can reduce the number of healthy platelets in the blood, which are essential for clotting. As a result, minor injuries are often common signs of leukemia. Here, one may frequently observe nosebleeds that can last for a while.

10. Breathing issues
As leukemia affects the body’s capacity to generate healthy red blood cells, even routine activities can become challenging, causing breathing issues. So, one may feel out of breath after performing simple everyday tasks like climbing the stairs or walking.

11. Swollen gums
Leukemia can cause gum inflammation and tenderness. Due to impaired blood clotting, one may also be more vulnerable to oral infections, painful gums, and gum bleeding after flossing or brushing.

12. Painful bones
Those with leukemia may experience bone pain where abnormal white blood cells infiltrate the bone marrow. This discomfort or pain is often described as a deep ache and can be a notable indicator of leukemia.

13. Skin rashes
Leukemia can sometimes cause skin rashes. These rashes might appear in different forms, ranging from red or purple spots to itchy patches.

14. Severe headaches
Leukemia may cause bleeding within the head, which can lead to severe, persistent, and prolonged headaches. These headaches can significantly disrupt the ability to concentrate and may worsen if not addressed promptly.

15. Night sweats
Night sweats are characterized by excessive sweating when asleep, often resulting in drenched bedclothes. With leukemia, night sweats may result from the body’s efforts to combat abnormal white blood cells, leading to an increase in body temperature at night.

16. Bloating
Bloating can be a symptom of leukemia when the disease affects the abdomen or causes an enlargement of organs like the spleen. Leukemia can lead to the accumulation of abnormal cells in the abdominal region, leading to discomfort, pressure, and a feeling of fullness or bloating. It is essential for those experiencing persistent or severe bloating to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Management options
The treatment options for leukemia may differ based on the type and stage of leukemia and the individual’s overall health. Some common options are:

Chemotherapy: This procedure helps eliminate cancer cells or inhibit their growth.

Radiation therapy: Here, high-energy beams or X-rays target and destroy leukemia cells.

Stem cell transplant: Also called bone marrow transplant, this treatment option involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient themselves.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is designed to specifically recognize, target, and block the abnormalities of the leukemia cells.

Immunotherapy: This option harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and attack leukemia cells.

Supportive care: Leukemia treatment may come with certain side effects, which makes supportive care measures important. Further, healthcare providers also monitor the disease and its progression and may adjust the treatment accordingly.

While it is important to keep an eye out for common signs of leukemia, the condition can often develop silently with no apparent symptoms. This makes it essential for healthcare providers to identify irregular blood cell counts during routine physical exams. Further, identifying risk factors is equally important for an early diagnosis. Common risk factors for leukemia are a family history of the disease, a compromised immune system due to other conditions, and exposure to specific chemicals. So, regular checkups are advisable in such cases.

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