{"id":637,"date":"2017-10-03T06:28:47","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T06:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=637"},"modified":"2021-07-12T14:53:20","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T14:53:20","slug":"15-early-signs-leukemia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/15-early-signs-leukemia\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Early Signs of Leukemia"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"In short, leukemia is a form of cancer that affects blood cells. Generally, it affects the white blood cells, but it can also affect the red blood cells, as well as the platelets.<\/p>\n

The white blood cells are an integral part of the immune system. They work to protect the body against invasions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other foreign substances, including abnormal cells. The cells can also rapidly divide, making more white cells than the body needs. This can lead to overcrowding and can eventually push out other types of blood cells.<\/p>\n

There are two primary types of white blood cells: myeloid cells and lymphoid cells. Leukemia can occur in either type. In people who are affected by leukemia, the white blood cells do not function normally, meaning that they don\u2019t aid the immune system in warding off invasions. Additionally, because of the sheer volume of these cells, they can affect the function of major organs. Over time, there aren\u2019t enough red blood cells to provide the body with the proper amount of oxygen or platelets to clot the blood. Also, there aren\u2019t enough normal white blood cells present to fight off infections.<\/p>\n

This type of cancer is serious. The earlier it is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin, which can improve life expectancy. For that reason, it is important to be aware of the early signs that are often indicative of leukemia. Here\u2019s a look at 15 signs that could be a cause for concern.<\/p>\n

1. Fatigue<\/h3>\n

Leukemia suppresses the immune system, which can lead to fatigue<\/a>. As the immune system works harder to prevent and fight infections, the body naturally becomes more worn down and tired. On top of that, the production of red blood cells is reduced, which limits the amount of oxygen transported through the body. Lack of oxygen can also lead to fatigue. People who have leukemia often feel more than just tired; they feel all-encompassing fatigue that no amount of sleep or caffeine can cure.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Flu-like symptoms<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, leukemia weakens the immune system<\/a>. As a result, people who are affected by this form of cancer are more susceptible to viruses and bacteria, which can lead to the development of flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, night sweats, coughing, sore throats, and muscle aches and pains.<\/p>\n

Additionally, since the white blood cells are suppressed, they are not able to effectively fight off infections, which can make these symptoms may become commonplace, and they can last for a prolonged period of time. Also, patients are more prone to developing a variety of illnesses, including pneumonia, the common cold, the flu, and various other ailments.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Petechiae<\/h3>\n

If you notice the appearance of tiny spots on the skin, it could be an early sign of leukemia<\/a>. Known as petechiae, these tiny spots are caused by broken red blood vessels or bleeding underneath the surface of the skin. The spots often look red, but they may also appear to be purple or brown in color.<\/p>\n

Petechiae often appear on the face, the back, the arms, and the chest, though these spots can show up on any part of the body. What do petechiae happen? It\u2019s a result of the body\u2019s inability to clot blood because the red blood cells are compromised, and clotting is one of their primary roles.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Swollen lymph nodes<\/h3>\n

Leukemia affects the bone marrow\u2019s ability to create healthy blood cells, both white and red. The rapid collection of white blood cells causes deformed white blood cells to collect in the lymph nodes<\/a>. As a result, a large number of lymphocytes can collect in the lymph nodes in the groin, throat, and armpits.<\/p>\n

When this happens, the lymph nodes will become noticeably enlarged and will continue growing larger. They are painless, but they can be felt, and can also often be seen. Though all types of infections can cause swollen lymph nodes, if you have leukemia, the swelling will last for a prolonged period of time.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Pain and swelling in the joints<\/h3>\n

Bone marrow<\/a> is located in the middle of most of the bones in the body. Its job is to produce both white and red blood cells. There are two types of bone marrow: red and yellow. The red marrow is mostly comprised of stem cells that produce red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. The yellow marrow is mostly made up of fat.<\/p>\n

In people who have leukemia, the balance between the production of red and white blood cells is significantly disrupted. The production of abnormal cells eventually outnumbers the healthy blood cells in the marrow, which can lead to discomfort and inflammation in the joints.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Easy bleeding and bruising<\/h3>\n

When the body starts to bleed, the platelets<\/a> start to clot, which helps to stop the bleeding. Leukemia patients, however, do not produce enough platelets, therefore their bodies are unable to stop the bleeding. This can lead to easy bleeding and bruising. For example, when a healthy person sustains a scrap, it usually won\u2019t bleed a lot, thanks to clotting; however, someone who has leukemia would bleed excessively.<\/p>\n

Also, bruising is more common because the blood vessels underneath the skin are unable to clot, which can lead to significant bruises after experiencing even the slightest touch; from a belt on pants, or from a bra strap, for example.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Abdominal pain<\/h3>\n

As leukemia progresses, patients may start to develop pain in their abdominal region. This pain could be triggered by a swollen liver or spleen. Leukemia often affects the function of the organs, and can, therefore, cause internal organs to swell.<\/p>\n

Since much of the internal organs are located within the abdomen<\/a>, it\u2019s not uncommon for discomfort to occur in this part of the body. This discomfort often presents as a sense of fullness below the ribs. It can also be experienced in the lower back instead of the abdomen.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Nausea and vomiting<\/h3>\n

Due to the enlarged organs in the abdomen, when leukemia progresses, many patients can start to experience nausea and vomiting<\/a>. It\u2019s understandable, as the swollen internal organs place pressure on the stomach, which can disrupt the flow of stomach acids and make a person feel sick to their stomach.<\/p>\n

Nausea often develops after eating, and it may be so severe that the patient may vomit. Of course, nausea and vomiting are not always early signs of leukemia. They can also be signs of several other physical conditions. Nevertheless, it\u2019s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing an upset stomach for a period of a week or longer.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Loss of appetite<\/h3>\n

Many patients who have leukemia have a decreased desire to eat. That\u2019s understandable, too. Their internal organs may be making them feel full, which could make them want to eat less; plus, if they are feeling nauseous, the very idea of eating could make the sensation even worse.<\/p>\n

Add to that the fact that a person who has leukemia often experiences a general sense of feeling unwell, and it\u2019s no wonder why someone may lose their appetite<\/a>. This could eventually lead to weight loss and malnutrition, which could compound the effects of leukemia.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Vertigo<\/h3>\n

Vertigo<\/a> refers to a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness, and it can be an early warning sign of leukemia. In patients with this condition, the production of red blood cells is compromised. Since the job of the red blood cells is to transport oxygen to the organs throughout the body, including the brain, it is not unusual for a person with this condition to feel dizziness or faintness.<\/p>\n

This feeling is particularly noticeable upon standing up; however, it can also be experienced while sitting or lying down. This could also be a sign of other conditions, such as an ear infection; however, if dizziness lasts for a few days, contact a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Headaches<\/h3>\n

In addition to feeling dizzy, patients who have leukemia often experience headaches<\/a>. Again, this is because the brain is not receiving an adequate amount of oxygen since the production of red blood cells has been compromised.<\/p>\n

When the brain does not receive enough oxygen, a headache typically occurs. The pain in the head can range from dull and throbbing to severe and piercing. Also, a headache may last for a prolonged period of time and might not respond to over the counter pain reducers.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Feeling cold<\/h3>\n

When the blood is not properly oxygenated, it can cause a person to feel cold. The blood needs to be filled with oxygen in order to function properly. When it isn\u2019t, the efficiency of the blood can be decreased, which can lead to feelings of coldness. Often, chills<\/a> are felt in the extremities, including the hands, fingers, feet, and toes.<\/p>\n

Also, the chill may be experienced even in hot temperatures or when bundled up in warm clothing. Chills are associated with several conditions, but if you are feeling increasingly cold, it\u2019s best to contact a doctor to find out the cause.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Pale skin<\/h3>\n

Leukemia patients often become anemic. Anemia<\/a> is the result of a low red blood cell count. When the red blood cells are low, the skin can look less lively and paler, or sallow.<\/p>\n

If you notice that your skin looks paler than usual and you are also experiencing chills, flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, and easy bruising, you definitely want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. While all of these symptoms could be related to a variety of other conditions, there is a chance that they are early signs of leukemia.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Swelling<\/h3>\n

Leukemia patients may also start to notice that their hands, ankles, feet, and faces are swelling<\/a>. This can happen as a result of the accumulation of the damaged white blood cells that are associated with leukemia.<\/p>\n

However, swelling may not be indicative of leukemia; it could be a side effect of any number of health conditions, or simple weight gain or water retention. If you have not experienced any changes in your diet, though, it\u2019s important to see a doctor if you notice any swelling.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Shortness of breath<\/h3>\n

Lastly, shortness of breath may be an early indication of leukemia. Again, this is the result of reduced production of red blood cells, and thereby lower amounts of oxygen<\/a> reaching the organs, including the lungs.<\/p>\n

Shortness of breath can be experienced after even the slightest physical activity, such as walking a flight of stairs or taking a short walk; things that normally wouldn\u2019t leave you breathless. If you experience breathlessness, it\u2019s important to speak to let your doctor know.<\/p>\n\r\n

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