Leukemia

Leukemia is actually a group of different cancers of the blood cells. Leukemias can be acute or chronic, and people with chronic leukemias may not notice any symptoms before the condition is diagnosed with a blood test. Acute leukemias are more likely to cause symptoms. Symptoms of all forms of leukemia are related to the proliferation of abnormal blood cells and replacement of the bone marrow by the cancerous cells.

Symptoms and signs of leukemia include

• fevers,
• night sweats, and
• swollen lymph nodes that are typically not painful or tender.

Other potential symptoms and signs include

• fatigue,
• weight loss, and
• bone or joint pain.

Easy bruising and bleeding tendencies may result in bleeding from the gums, nosebleed, purplish or red spots or patches on the skin, or small red spots under the skin.

Sometimes, there is swelling of the spleen or liver, causing pain or swelling in the abdomen. Frequent infections are another common sign of leukemia. If the brain is affected, there may be nausea and vomiting, confusion, headaches, seizures, or problems with muscle control.

Causes of leukemia

The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but both genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Leukemia cells have acquired DNA mutations that allow them to grow abnormally and lose functions of typical white blood cells. Certain factors, such as exposure to radiation, are known to increase the risk of developing leukemia.

Other leukemia symptoms and signs

• Bleeding Gums
• Bone Pain
• Confusion
• Easy Bruising
• Enlarged Liver
• Enlarged Spleen
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Frequent Infections
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Loss of Appetite
• Loss of Muscle Control
• Nausea
• Night Sweats
• Pallor
• Seizures
• Shortness of Breath
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight Loss