Important Signs Of Leukemia You Shouldn’t Ignore According To Health Experts
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the abnormal production of white blood cells. It can develop slowly or rapidly, and its symptoms can often be vague or mistaken for other common illnesses.......➡️CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLES HERE.
However, there are several important signs of leukemia that health experts urge people to watch for, as early detection and treatment can improve outcomes significantly.
1. Fatigue and Weakness: One of the most common symptoms of leukemia is feeling unusually tired or weak, even after rest. This happens because the abnormal blood cells crowd out healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia and reduced oxygen supply to the body.
2. Frequent Infections: Leukemia impacts the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight off infections. If you find yourself getting sick more often or struggling with infections that don’t seem to go away, it may be a warning sign.
3. Unexplained Bruising or Bleeding: Easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from small cuts can indicate that the blood isn’t clotting properly. This is due to a shortage of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting.
4. Pale Skin: A decrease in red blood cells due to leukemia can cause your skin to look pale or take on a yellowish tint. This is a common sign of anemia, which is a symptom of leukemia.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Leukemia can cause lymph nodes to swell, especially in the neck, underarms, or groin. These swollen glands may not be painful but can be a sign that leukemia is affecting the immune system.
6. Bone or Joint Pain: Pain in the bones or joints can occur when leukemia cells accumulate in the bone marrow or joints. This can lead to swelling and discomfort.
7. Night Sweats and Fever: Unexplained fever or sweating, particularly at night, can be associated with leukemia. These symptoms are often a result of the body’s immune response to the abnormal cells.
8. Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss without a change in diet or physical activity may be a sign of leukemia. It happens due to the body’s increased demand for energy as it tries to fight the disease.
9. Shortness of Breath: As the leukemia cells crowd out healthy blood cells, there may be less oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s crucial to see a healthcare professional for further evaluation. While these symptoms can also be linked to other conditions, early diagnosis and treatment of leukemia can make a significant difference in survival rates and quality of life. A blood test and bone marrow biopsy are typically used to confirm the diagnosis