Leukemia is a general term for four different types of blood cancer. There are two types of acute leukemia and two types of chronic leukemia. It begins in the bone marrow when one cell changes and becomes a leukemia cell. This cell multiplies and eventually the normal blood cells are crowded out. The abnormal cells then spill over into the blood and may also invade the central nervous system.
Leukemia symptoms may vary depending on the type of leukemia. Some of the most common symptoms are:
* pale skin
* tiredness
* mild fever
* bruises
* shortness of breath
* thrombocytopenia
* petechiae
* bone pain
* enlarged spleen
* enlarged liver
* enlarged lymph nodes
* headache
* vomiting
Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting. Symtoms that are associated with thrombocytopenia are:
* nosebleeds
* easy bruising
* petechiae
* prolonged bleeding from cuts
* bloody stools or urine
* unusually heavy menstrual flow
Petechiae are small red spots under the skin caused by broken blood vessels. When the platelet count is low (thrombocytopenia) petechiae may occur.
Bone pain is caused by the bone marrow expanding due to the build up of white blood cells in the bone marrow. This pain is usually felt in the long bones of the arms and legs.
The symptoms of acute leukemia develop rather quickly in contrast to chronic leukemia in which symptoms develop over time.
Some of these leukemia symptoms also mimic those of less severe illnesses but it is always best to be checked by your doctor to determine the cause of symptoms.
Britt Estep is the owner and webmaster of www.leukemia-cure.com. Since her son's leukemia diagnosis in August 2007 she has been devoted to finding a leukemia cure and helping others affected by the disease. You will find leukemia information, stories, support groups and ways you can help on her site.