Customer question:
What are the first signs of leukemia? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood-forming cells and the bone marrow. Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type of leukemia and the stage of the disease. The first signs of leukemia are often non-specific and may appear gradually.
Characteristic symptoms of leukemia include:
- Fatigue and weakness: Frequent fatigue that does not improve even after rest is one of the early symptoms of leukemia.
- Paleness: a reduced number of healthy blood cells can cause pale skin.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged and tender lymph nodes, especially neck, armpits, or groin, may indicate leukemia.
- Frequent inflammation and infections: poorer ability of the body to fight infections due to lack of healthy white blood cells.
- Frequent bruising and bleeding: A low platelet count can cause a tendency to bruise, bleed from the gums or nose, and increase bleeding from minor injuries.
- Bone and joint pain: Leukemia can cause bone and joint pain.
- Enlarged spleen and liver: this can cause pain in the upper left part of the abdomen.
- Fever: fever for no apparent reason.
- Weight loss: unexplained weight loss.
It is important to emphasize that the listed symptoms are not necessarily related to leukemia but can also have other causes. However, it is always essential to consult a doctor, especially if you notice unusual and persistent changes in your health. The earlier the leukemia diagnosis, the better; early treatment increases the chances of successfully managing the disease.
How quickly does leukemia progress?
The rate at which leukemia progresses depends on the type of leukemia, the individual's genetic characteristics, the stage of the disease at diagnosis, and other factors. Leukemias can appear slowly and gradually or develop quickly.
There are several types of leukemia, each with its characteristics and rate of progression. For example, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) usually develops slowly, while acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is more aggressive and progresses quickly.
Specific genetic changes can affect the rate at which cancer cells reproduce and the progression of leukemia. Early detection of leukemia can enable faster initiation of treatment, which can affect the course of the disease itself.
A person's age and general health can affect how quickly leukemia develops and how well the body can withstand treatment. The effectiveness of treatment plays a crucial role in directing the rate at which leukemia progresses. Certain types of leukemia are more susceptible to treatment than others.
Since leukemias are very diverse, there is no single answer to this question. In some patients, leukemia can develop very slowly and have a long period of remission, while in others, it can progress quickly and require intensive treatment.
An individual with symptoms of leukemia must consult a doctor as soon as possible, who can perform appropriate tests and make a diagnosis. Early treatment can significantly improve the outcome of the disease.
Interesting reading: Leukemia symptoms
