Early Warning Signs of Leukemia in Adults and Children

Early Warning Signs of Leukemia in Adults and Children

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body’s blood tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. There are many types of leukemia, some more common in children than adults. Listed below are some of the early warning signs of leukemia that should not be ignored.

Early warning signs of leukemia in adults
There are many types of leukemia that cannot be detected in the early stages, as there are no visible symptoms. When signs appear, they could vary depending on the type of cancer. However, some of the common signs and symptoms of leukemia are:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue or tiredness that does not get better even after resting
  • Infections that are frequent or severe
  • Weight loss that occurs even without any changes in diet or increase in physical activity
  • Bleeding or bruising easily
  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • The appearance of red spots on the skin known as petechiae
  • Bone pain
  • Increased sweating, especially at night

The symptoms of leukemia are often vague and easy to overlook, as they are similar to other common health conditions such as the flu. However, if one’s symptoms are persistent or recurring, they should consult a doctor.

Early warning signs of leukemia in children
This is the most common form of cancer affecting children. Leukemia most often starts before the age of ten in children. The early warning signs could be the result of too many cancer cells or insufficient normal cells.

When there are too many cancer cells and not enough red blood cells (RBCs), it could result in anemia, which causes:

  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Headaches
  • Pale skin
  • Dizziness
  • Breathlessness

When there is a drop in the number of white blood cells (WBCs), it could result in frequent infections such as:

  • Fevers
  • Recurring cold and flu
  • Infections
  • Swollen glands

Leukemia could also affect the number of platelets in the blood. This could result in:

  • Bleeding from cuts and scrapes for a longer time
  • Easy or frequent bruising
  • Nosebleeds
  • Bleeding from the gums

When cancer cells multiply, they could affect the bones or the lymph nodes. Organs such as the spleen or liver might also be affected. Signs and symptoms that could be exhibited are:

  • Pain in the joints or bones
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Swelling of the stomach
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes

One should keep an eye out for these early warning signs of leukemia, especially among children. Although some of these signs could result from some other issues, it is best to consult the doctor for a diagnosis at the earliest.