Leukemia Symptoms: Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Due to its gradual development, these blood cancer signs can be mistaken for minor illnesses.
Hence, the ability to identify leukemia symptoms early enough is very crucial because prompt leukemia diagnosis and treatment will help to increase the chances of recovery.
In this article, you will discover what leukemia is, early leukemia signs, leukemia diagnosis, when to see a doctor, and the common questions people ask about leukemia.
So, let’s dive in.
What Is Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that produces abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow disrupting the normal blood function.
This happens because the abnormal cells crowd the healthy blood cells, resulting in infection, anemia, and bleeding challenges.
This disease will keep growing and that’s why it is important to understand how leukemia works so it can be addressed early.
Although the exact cause of leukemia is not known, the risk factors include family history, exposure to radiation, smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals.
Early Leukemia Symptoms
Leukemia symptoms usually start mild but get worse over time.
Early leukemia signs you shouldn’t ignore includes;
- Persistent Weakness
This condition is referred to anemia where the body does not have the right amount of healthy red blood cells to carry the required oxygen to the body organs and tissues
This will result in weakness, that is a person can feel very tired even after a rest.
- Frequent Infections
Since the healthy blood cells have been crowded by abnormal cells, they won’t be able to work effectively as they ought to.
Unfortunately, the abnormal cells which are now dominating cannot fight infections effectively hence, resulting in repeated fevers and respiratory infections.
- Weight Loss
Where an individual experiences unusual weight loss without changing dietary patterns, it can be as a result of the body’s energy used to fight the abnormal cells.
- Bleeding
Due to a major drop in platelet levels, an individual can start experiencing bleeding from various body outlets.
Bleeding from the nose, ears, gums, and excessive bleeding from minor cuts. Small wounds will now take longer time to clot.
- Pains and Discomfort
These two go hand in hand. A person undergoing pains can not be comfortable and that’s exactly what the abnormal blood cells do in the bone marrow. It causes pains in the bones so a person can suffer pains in the wrist, knees, elbow, and more.
Other leukemia signs may include;
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive night sweats
- Swelling in the neck, groin, or underarms.
Leukemia Diagnosis Methods
Diagnosing leukemia involves a combination of different methods to help a medical expert figure out the type of leukemia, its severity, and the best approach to treating it.
- Physical Examination
A physical examination is carried out to check for swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen enlargement.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC, is a quick blood test that is often done with a small blood sample from a vein.
It examines the overall blood health and spots the abnormalities. It takes count of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- Biopsy
This is a medical procedure where a small sample of cells is removed from the body for examination under a microscope.
It helps medical experts to diagnose infection and confirms the type and stage of the infection.
This test will guide doctors when making decisions about the treatment options.
- Peripheral Blood Smear
A Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS) provides detailed information about the size, shape, and appearance of blood cells.
It is a laboratory test where a thin layer of blood is spread on a glass slide, stained, and examined under a microscope.
It confirms the findings already gathered from a Complete Blood Count (CBC).
- Cytogenetic and Molecular Tests
These laboratory tests are used to study genetic changes in cells. They are useful in diagnosing cancers like leukemia, checking treatment response, and predicting prognosis.
- Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are medical scans that show pictures of the inside of the body.
With imaging, the doctor can detect bone abnormalities, infections, or enlargement of organs.
Final Thoughts
Leukemia can be challenging, but identifying the early blood cancer signs can help you to seek medical care in time which can result in better treatment outcomes.
Pay attention to the above mentioned leukemia symptoms and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
Early detection and prompt action play a crucial role in managing leukemia and improving quality of life.
So, stay informed, listen to your body, and take proper care of your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions people ask about leukemia.
1. What Causes Leukemia?
Although the exact cause of leukemia is not known, the risk factors include family history, exposure to radiation, smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals.
2. Is Leukemia Contagious?
No, leukemia cannot spread from person to person.
3. Can Leukemia Be Cured?
Some types of leukemia can be cured when detected early. The recommended treatment will depend on the type and stage of leukemia.
4. How Can Leukemia Be Diagnosed?
Doctors make use of blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies to diagnose leukemia.
5. Are Early Leukemia Symptoms Obvious?
No, the early leukemia signs can even be mistaken for other illnesses and that’s why it is important that you pay attention to your body. Pay attention to unusual and persistent symptoms.
6. What Should I Do If I Suspect Leukemia?
If you notice any of these blood cancer signs, seek medical attention immediately for evaluation.
