What are the symptoms of leukemia? I think I'm showing symptoms of it.?

Answer 1

Since there are many forms of leukemias, there are many presentations, symptoms and signs. The most common are fatigue and malaise which usually comes from anemia (low red blood cells). Bruising due to low platelet counts because the bone marrow is putting all of its energy into pumping out white cells rather than platelets.Also it happens because the bone marrow goes haywire and instead of pumping out adequate numbers of red cells, it goes out of control and pumps out millions of white blood cells. There are different kinds of white cells, ie. lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils all having their own ways of controlling infections. Other symptoms are swollen bleeding gums, nose bleeds, tender swollen lymph nodes, chronic sore throats, bone pain, joint aches, fevers (undulating--up and down-up and down), multiple infections, weight loss, loss of appetite, blood in your stools, diarrhea, paleness, headaches. There are many more but these are the biggies. It is very easy to diagnose leukemia. A simple test called a CBC (complete blood count) which shows the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) and their makeup, lymphocytes, neutrophils, etc. can show a highly elevated number of white cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils. If this happens, it is almost always leukemia (the word is derived from latin, "leuko" meaning white and "emia" meaning blood. The doctor will then order whats called a peripheral smear to check the morphology, size, shape and certain internal characteristics of the white blood cells. This is done under a microscope by a trained Pathologist. The quicker you get in to get these simple tests the better off you will fare depending on the type of leukemia is diagnosed. Chemotherapy has come a long way in the last ten years and survival rates have jumped significantly. Bone marrow transplants can be performed and show very promising results in curing certain forms of leukemia.
My advice to you is get to your doctor and get a CBC with differential and a peripheral smear.
I hope this helped answer your question and I hope I didnt scare you. Just wanted to tell you the truth in hopes of encouraging you to get to the doctor right away.
To your health.
Warren Shaffer, M.D.

Answer 2

There are various kinds of leukemias, and they have different kinds of symptoms. Some leukemias (e.g. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) can show no initial symptoms at all (I have it; I know). If you really believe you have the symptoms of a disease (none of which you list), you really ought to see a physician right away, because the earlier leukemias are diagnosed, the sooner the proper diagnosis can be made and protocols started for you. Please don't wait. Mine was caught early and my prognosis is excellent. I haven't even needed chemotherapy!

Answer 3

anaemia due to a lack of red cells ; causing persistent tiredness, dizziness, paleness, or shortness of breath when physically active
frequent or repeated infections and slow healing, due to a lack of normal functioning white cells. (your blood test may show high numbers of white cells, but these are cancerous and do not function as normal.)
increased or unexplained bleeding or bruising, due to a very low platelet count.
Other symptoms may include bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, swollen gums, chest pain and abdominal discomfort due to a swollen spleen or liver.

You can have a blood test to see if there is any abnormalities but it wont tell you 100% you have leukaemia. You will need to have a bone marrow biopsy

Answer 4

www.americancancersociety.com
type in leukemia

Answer 5

have you tried plugging the word into a search engine? Check webmd too. go to the dr and have a simple blodd test done.

Answer 6

An extremely sore throat for a long period of time.