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What was your first leukemia symptom?

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. The symptoms of leukemia can vary greatly, depending on the type of leukemia, but some common early symptoms include:

Fatigue and Weakness

One of the most common early symptoms of leukemia is fatigue and weakness. This is due to the lack of normal blood cells being produced in the bone marrow. As the leukemia cells crowd out the normal blood cells, the body becomes deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to extreme and persistent fatigue.

Frequent Infections

People with leukemia often get frequent infections, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. This is because the leukemia cells prevent the bone marrow from making enough normal white blood cells, which help fight off infections.

Fever

Fever is another sign of leukemia, and is usually related to infection. The fever may come and go unpredictably. Fevers in people with leukemia are sometimes associated with chills or night sweats.

Easy Bruising or Bleeding

Leukemia can lead to a low platelet count, which are the cells that help blood clot. A shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) causes easy bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or excessive bleeding from small cuts.

Bone and Joint Pain

Some people with leukemia experience bone pain or joint pain. This is from the buildup of leukemia cells near the surface of the bone or inside the joint.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter bacteria and other harmful substances out of the body. In leukemia, lymph nodes may become enlarged as they fill with leukemia cells. Swollen nodes are most commonly felt in the neck, underarm, abdomen or groin.

Abdominal Discomfort

Some leukemia patients experience pain or a feeling of fullness in their belly. This can be from an enlarged spleen or liver swelling with leukemic cells.

Night Sweats

Drenching night sweats are a common symptom of leukemia. Patients often report waking up soaked in sweat, with the need to change their pajamas and sheets.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden unexplained weight loss is sometimes seen in leukemia. This may be from a lack of appetite, abdominal swelling pushing on the stomach, or the body burning more calories due to the cancer.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite and early satiety is common in leukemia patients. The cancer can affect appetite hormones or take up space in the abdomen, leaving less room for food.

Coughing or Shortness of Breath

Some types of leukemia can infiltrate the lungs or cause bleeding into the lungs. This can lead to cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain.

Headaches

Headaches are sometimes an early sign of leukemia. This may be from bleeding or buildup of cells in the central nervous system, or simply from the physical stress of the illness.

Confusion or Dizziness

Changes in mental status, such as confusion or dizziness, can occur if leukemia spreads to the brain and spinal cord. This causes bleeding or inflammation of the central nervous system.

Rashes or Gum Changes

Certain types of leukemia rashes or gum swelling/discoloration can appear early on. These are signs of the cancer infiltrating different tissues.

Extreme Paleness

Pallor or pale skin is a sign of anemia, or low red blood cells. The leukemia crowds out the cells that normally produce hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color.

Conclusion

Leukemia symptoms can be vague and insidious in the beginning, which makes diagnosis challenging. Pay attention to fatigue, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising/bleeding, bone/joint pain, swollen glands, abdominal discomfort, night sweats, weight loss, appetite changes, breathing issues, headaches, dizziness, rashes or pale skin. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms arise, as prompt evaluation and treatment provides the best prognosis.