Leukemia Symptoms And Signs Of The Disease

Leukemia symptoms vary depending on the type of leukemia. Some of the signs and symptoms are the same as more common and less severe illnesses.

The symptoms of acute leukemia are:

* pale skin
* tiredness
* bruises
* mild fever
* shortness of breath
* petechiae
* thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
* bone pain
* enlarged spleen
* enlarged liver
* enlarged lymph nodes
* headache
* vomiting

The symptoms of chronic leukemia usually develop gradually. These symptoms are:

* tire easily
* weight loss
* recurring infections (skin, kidneys, lungs or other sites)
* abnormal blood count (elevated white blood cell count is most common)
* enlarged lymph nodes
* pale skin
* enlarged spleen
* excessive sweating
* inability to tolerate warm temperatures

When it comes to childhood leukemia, it is usually the parent that realizes that something in wrong.

Sometimes children develop a fever that comes and goes. They may have a decreased interest in eating. Some children have bone pain in their back, leg, and joints that makes it difficult for them to walk. Nosebleeds can occur. Sometimes parents will notice enlarged lymph nodes in their neck or groin. Their abdomen may protrude because of an enlarged spleen or liver. Children become cranky and irritable because of their loss of well being.

Before Kaden's diagnosis I remember that he did not want to listen and we had our share of struggles. I started to notice bruises on his arms, legs and back. He was getting more frequent nose bleeds. Then his blood work showed a low platelet count. When Kaden began having bone pain and couldn't walk I knew something was amiss.