The symptoms for all types of leukemia are the same. They develop and
advance rapidly in cases of acute leukemia, but gradually in chronic cases,
which tend to also be less severe. About 20% of the chronic patients do not
exhibit symptoms at the time of diagnosis.
Symptoms common to all types of leukemia include extreme fatigue,
unexplained fevers, frequent infections, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight
loss, and easy bleeding or bruising.
Leukemia cells collecting in various areas of the body will produce other
side effects such as seizures, muscle spasms, headaches, balance problems,
vision problems, nausea and/or vomiting, shortness of breath, painful swelling
in the neck, underarm, or groin area, pain in the joints and/or bones, painful
testicular swelling, stomach pain, and general weakness.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms would be wise to schedule an appointment with
a physician. It is important to remember that these symptoms are common to a
number of diseases and do not necessarily indicate leukemia. Do not
self-diagnose. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you
schedule an appointment with a physician. Blood disorder specialists are called
oncologists and your physician should be able to refer you to one.
Wanted: Not Dead but Alive
And remember, it is better to be a hypochondriac than a corpse. Like every
other cancer, you have the best chances to beat leukemia with an early
detection and prompt treatments. A decade ago, a leukemia diagnosis was a death
sentence. Now, with such fantastic strides in medicinal sciences, more and more
people are able to say, “I’m a leukemia survivor.” People like me.