18 early warning signs of leukemia
Leukemia refers to a type of cancer developing in the blood-forming tissues of the body. Statistical reports suggest that one person is diagnosed with leukemia approximately every three minutes in the country. There exist different types of leukemia, including acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common of these types. Here are some early warning leukemia symptoms one should recognize early to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention:
Early signs and symptoms of leukemia
Frequent infections
The white blood cells of the body play a vital role in preventing infections. Since leukemia involves the excess production of abnormal white blood cells, the body cannot fight infections, causing patients to experience frequent infections.
Fever and chills
The infections prevalent among those with leukemia may lead to fever and chills, which may persist for extended periods and rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Swelling of lymph nodes
The accumulation of clusters of cancer cells that have spread from the bone marrow to the lymph nodes may cause lymph nodes to swell up among patients with leukemia.
Recurrent nosebleeds
The body typically produces fewer platelets when grappling with leukemia; therefore, the condition increases one’s risk of frequent nosebleeds.
Increased susceptibility to bruises
Leukemia reduces the body’s ability to form blood clots, which can cause bruises easily, even with minor injuries. Often, these bruises form in unusual parts of the body, such as the back.
Rashes and skin inflammation
This condition weakens the body’s immune system considerably, increasing one’s frequency of skin infections, including rashes, itching, and redness.
Sharp, persistent pain
Individuals with leukemia may experience sharp, lingering bone pain and tenderness or shooting pain below the ribs on the left side of the body. While bone pain is caused by the build-up of leukemia cells in the bone marrow, pain below the left ribs indicates spleen enlargement due to the spread of these abnormal cells to this area.