This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science
This page was updated on September 12, 2022.
Many people don't experience leukemia symptoms in the early stages of certain types of the disease, or the symptoms develop slowly. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) progress much more quickly and symptoms may worsen more quickly than with chronic leukemia, for example.
This article will cover:
Leukemia symptoms often vary depending on the type of leukemia diagnosed. Some signs of leukemia, like night sweats, fever, fatigue and achiness, resemble flu-like symptoms. Unlike symptoms of the flu, which generally subside as patients get better, leukemia symptoms generally last longer than two weeks, and may include sudden weight loss, bone and joint pain and easy bleeding or bruising. Other early warning signs of leukemia include:
Leukemia symptoms may differ slightly depending on the type.
AML may cause symptoms such as:
ALL may also cause the above symptoms, plus some additional ones as well, including:
CLL is unlikely to cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, it may cause symptoms that resemble AML and ALL, including:
Chronic myeloid leukemia, also called chronic myelogenous leukemia, may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, when it does cause symptoms, they may include:
Because some conditions occur as side effects of the disease, the following may be signs of leukemia:
Anemia: A low red blood cell count. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. This condition may contribute to weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath.
Leukopenia: A low white blood cell count. A decrease in the production of functional leukocytes (white blood cells) weakens the body's immune defense, which may make patients more prone to infections.
Thrombocytopenia: A low blood platelet count. Platelets are the blood cells responsible for blood clotting. A shortage of blood platelets may lead to easy bruising or bleeding.
When leukemia results in thrombocytopenia, symptoms may include bleeding from the gums and nose. In women, thrombocytopenia can result in heavy or abnormally long menstruation.
Swollen lymph nodes: In some cases, the signs of leukemia may include noticeable swelling of the neck, armpit or groin. This occurs when leukemia has spread to the lymph nodes.
Enlarged liver or spleen: The build-up of abnormal blood cells in the liver or spleen may cause a feeling of fullness (loss of appetite) or swelling in the upper left side of the abdomen.
Many of the common symptoms of leukemia may be caused by other, more common conditions. However, patients who are experiencing any symptoms that could potentially be related to leukemia should see a doctor who can figure out the cause. It’s particularly important to seek a doctor's guidance if symptoms persist or worsen.
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