Customer question:
How are the symptoms of leukemia manifested? 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 these symptoms are unrelated to leukemia and may have other causes. However, it is always essential to consult a doctor 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.
Interesting reading: First signs of leukemia
Interesting reading: Leukemia in children
