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What is leukaemia?
Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It usually begins when the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells.
These cells do not work properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to a range of symptoms that may develop gradually or come on more quickly.
Common signs and symptoms
Leukaemia can cause tiredness, weakness and feeling generally unwell. Many people also notice shortness of breath, especially when doing everyday activities.
Other common symptoms include frequent infections, unexplained weight loss and night sweats. Some people develop a fever that does not seem to go away.
Symptoms linked to low blood counts
Because leukaemia affects blood cell production, it can lead to anaemia. This may cause pale skin, dizziness, headaches or a racing heartbeat.
Low platelet levels can make it easier to bruise or bleed. You may notice nosebleeds, bleeding gums or tiny red or purple spots on the skin.
Bone, joint and tummy symptoms
Some people with leukaemia get bone pain or aching joints. This may be felt in the legs, arms, back or ribs.
Leukaemia can also cause swelling or discomfort in the tummy area. This may be due to an enlarged spleen or liver, which can sometimes make you feel full quickly.
When to speak to a GP
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems, not just leukaemia. Still, it is important to speak to a GP if symptoms are unexplained, persistent or getting worse.
You should also seek medical advice if you have repeated infections, unusual bleeding or very severe tiredness. Early assessment can help rule out other causes and make sure you get the right care.
Children and adults
Leukaemia can affect both children and adults, although the symptoms may vary. In children, signs such as tiredness, bruising, bone pain and frequent infections can be especially important to watch for.
In adults, symptoms may be mistaken for stress, a virus or another common illness. If something does not feel right or does not improve, it is sensible to get it checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common leukaemia signs and symptoms include fatigue, frequent infections, fever, unexplained bruising or bleeding, pale skin, shortness of breath, bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and night sweats.
Early leukaemia signs and symptoms can be vague and may include tiredness, weakness, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and repeated infections that do not clear quickly.
Leukaemia signs and symptoms can overlap in adults and children, but children may more often show bone pain, limp, swollen lymph nodes, and irritability, while adults may notice fatigue, infections, and easy bruising.
Yes, leukaemia signs and symptoms can look like the flu, anemia, viral infections, or general exhaustion, which is why persistent or worsening symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Leukaemia can reduce normal platelet production, which can cause easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding that takes longer to stop.
Leukaemia can crowd out healthy blood cell production, leading to anemia and less oxygen being carried through the body, which often causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Yes, leukaemia signs and symptoms often include recurrent or persistent fever and infections because abnormal white blood cells may not function properly and normal immune defenses can be reduced.
Swollen lymph nodes can be one of the leukaemia signs and symptoms, especially in the neck, underarm, or groin, because leukaemic cells can collect in lymphatic tissue.
Yes, bone pain or joint pain can be among leukaemia signs and symptoms, particularly when abnormal cells build up in the bone marrow and cause pressure or inflammation.
Leukaemia signs and symptoms can affect the skin by causing pale appearance, easy bruising, tiny red or purple spots called petechiae, or unusual rashes in some cases.
Yes, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite can be leukaemia signs and symptoms, especially in more advanced or active disease.
Leukaemia signs and symptoms may develop gradually over weeks or months, or they may appear more suddenly, depending on the type of leukaemia.
Leukaemia signs and symptoms should be checked by a doctor if they are persistent, unexplained, worsening, or combined with bruising, bleeding, repeated infections, or significant fatigue.
Yes, acute leukaemia signs and symptoms often appear suddenly and progress quickly, while chronic leukaemia signs and symptoms may be mild or absent at first and develop more slowly.
Yes, leukaemia signs and symptoms can include an enlarged spleen or liver, which may cause abdominal fullness, discomfort, reduced appetite, or a feeling of pressure under the ribs.
No, leukaemia signs and symptoms do not always mean cancer is present because many conditions can cause similar issues, but persistent symptoms need medical assessment to find the cause.
Yes, headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness can be leukaemia signs and symptoms, especially if anemia or very high or very low blood cell counts are affecting circulation and oxygen delivery.
No, leukaemia signs and symptoms vary from person to person depending on the type of leukaemia, the stage of disease, and the person's overall health.
Leukaemia signs and symptoms that need urgent care include severe bleeding, trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, very high fever, or sudden worsening weakness or pallor.
You can track leukaemia signs and symptoms by noting when they started, how often they occur, whether they are getting worse, and any related issues such as bruising, fever, infections, weight loss, or pain.
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