When we hear the word cancer we are probably quick to think of things like skin cancer, lung cancer, or maybe even especially unforgiving forms of cancer such as pancreatic cancer. Leukemia is a type of cancer that’s quite different from most other forms since it is actually cancer of the blood. Like so many other forms of cancer, what causes is it is still a mystery. It usually starts in the bone marrow and causes the formation of white blood cells that are abnormal. Leukemia is normally diagnosed with a blood test of a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment usually consists of chemotherapy, radiation or bone marrow transplant. The 5-year survival rate for people diagnosed with leukemia is about 57 percent, which may provide a measure of hope for those who are diagnosed. The following are signs and symptoms that could indicate leukemia.
1. TINY SPOTS OR DOTS ON THE SKIN
These tiny spots are technically known as petechiae and may show up as patches of very small purple or red dots that are often observed on the arms, back, chest and face. Since leukemia can cause a decrease in the number of clot-forming platelets in the blood, smaller blood vessels are more likely to break causing petechiae, which can easily be mistaken for some type of rash.
2. BONE AND JOINT PAIN
This is one of the most common symptoms of people who have developed leukemia and is characterized by pain that feels like it originates deep in the bones. This type of pain results from an excess of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and causing it to expand. This pain is most common in the long bones such as the legs and arms. There are many other potential causes of bone and joint pain so it would be premature to assume a few aches and pains are the result of leukemia.
3. HEADACHES
This symptom may not be mentioned as frequently as some of the others but it is something that should not be ignored. The headaches associated with leukemia tend to be long-lasting and can be quite severe. In some cases, a condition called pallor may accompany the headaches and will make the skin color appear significantly more pale or white than normal. Seizures may also be more likely during these episodes as blood supply to the spinal cord and brain can be reduced.
4. SWOLLEN GLANDS
Since leukemia has a damaging effect on the blood, it is much more difficult for the body to fight off opportunistic infections and that can cause glands and lymph nodes to swell. This can manifest as small lumps or bumps that show up in places such as the neck, stomach, under the arms or in the groin area that may take on a color that has hints of blue or purple. Normally, these kinds of abnormalities form as a result of less serious infections and do not generally persist for longer than a week, or so.
5. FATIGUE
The blood is absolutely essential for delivering a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body and when leukemia interferes with that process, feeling tired or worn out all the time is often the result. It will often become very difficult to complete routine physical tasks when suffering from these symptoms, which can also take an emotional toll on victims of this disease.
6. BRUISING AND BLEEDING
As mentioned previously, the blood is often unable to do its job properly when leukemia is a factor, and this often makes it much easier to suffer bruising just about anywhere on the body. It’s especially telling when bruises begin to show up in areas where bruising has never been a problem previously. Bruises may also appear darker in color and look worse than they have in the past. Since the blood will not be able to clot as efficiently as normal, bleeding will often be more difficult to control.
7. FEVER AND INFECTION
Leukemia has a detrimental effect on the body’s natural immune system which makes it more difficult to fight off sickness and infection. This can result in an increase in the number of infections and more frequent and persistent fevers. The lack of normal infection-fighting white blood cells, which are gradually crowded out by abnormal cells, also makes it much more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
8. WEIGHT LOSS
Although many millions of people struggle for years to lose weight, this is definitely not the way anyone would want to slim down. Leukemia will often cause a reduction in appetite, which may lead to weight loss. Other problems associated with leukemia may also contribute to weight loss such as vomiting and other digestive difficulties such as constipation and diarrheal
9. BREATHING PROBLEMS
Since leukemia has a negative effect on the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body’s cells, it may cause a person to feel short of breath and cause their breathing to become faster as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. People with leukemia sometimes report that they feel like they are never able to “catch their breath” no matter how deeply or rapidly they breathe.
10. ABDOMINAL SWELLING AND PAIN
This is most common in advanced or acute stages of the disease when it can cause swelling of the internal organs like the spleen and liver. This may cause pain in the abdomen or a feeling of being “full.” In some cases, this internal swelling may even cause lower back pain.
