What are the symptoms of leukaemia?

Leukaemia affects blood-forming tissues, so symptoms may reflect changes in red cells, white cells, or platelets. Reduced red cells can contribute to tiredness, breathlessness with activity, dizziness, or paleness. Changes in white cells can be associated with infections or fever. Low platelets can lead to easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or tiny red skin spots. Some people notice bone or joint discomfort, swollen lymph nodes, or fullness under the ribs.

Many everyday illnesses can cause fatigue, fever, bruising, or infections. Symptoms alone cannot diagnose leukaemia. A clinician may use an examination and blood tests, followed by specialist testing when indicated.

Arrange medical review when fatigue is persistent, bruising is unexplained or increasing, infections keep returning, or fever has no clear explanation. Keep a record of fevers, bleeding, bruises, infections, medicines, and symptoms such as breathlessness or bone pain. Blood counts can help a clinician decide whether further assessment, such as a Bone Marrow Biopsy, is appropriate.

Seek emergency care for uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black stools, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, or a high fever with marked weakness. Prompt assessment is also needed for a rapidly spreading rash of pinpoint spots or an infection that is worsening quickly, particularly when immunity may be reduced.

Could my symptoms be related to a blood-count change? Which tests should be done first? How should I respond to fever or bleeding? If leukaemia is diagnosed, might Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, or Stem Cell Transplant be considered?