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What are the symptoms of leukemia?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Petechiae and ecchymoses may appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Bruising occurs easily after minor trauma and fades slowly. Patients may also experience frequent nosebleeds and gum bleeding. Female patients may present with increased menstrual bleeding or prolonged menstruation. This is due to leukemia cells suppressing normal hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in platelet count and abnormalities in the coagulation mechanism.

Common symptoms of leukemia include abnormal bleeding, persistent fever, anemia and fatigue, bone and joint pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Abnormal bleeding: Petechiae and ecchymoses may appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Bruising easily occurs even after minor trauma, with slow resolution. Frequent nosebleeds and gum bleeding may also occur. Female patients may experience increased menstrual flow or prolonged menstruation. This is due to leukemia cells suppressing normal hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, leading to reduced platelet counts and abnormal coagulation mechanisms.

2. Persistent fever: Body temperature often remains around 38°C, presenting as irregular fever or persistent low-grade fever. The response to antibiotic treatment is usually poor. Fever may result from endogenous pyrogenic substances released by leukemia cells or from infections such as stomatitis and pneumonia caused by impaired leukocyte function secondary to leukemia.

3. Anemia and fatigue: Main manifestations include pallor, dizziness, blurred vision, general weakness, palpitations, and shortness of breath after exertion. Daily physical activities are significantly limited, and fatigue persists despite rest. This occurs because leukemia affects red blood cell production, reducing hemoglobin levels and causing tissue hypoxia.

4. Bone and joint pain: Tenderness in the sternum is common. The limbs' joints and bones may experience dull or aching pain of varying intensity. Severe pain can affect normal activities and sleep. This is caused by a large proliferation of leukemia cells in the bone marrow, increasing intramedullary pressure and stimulating the periosteal nerves.

5. Enlarged lymph nodes: Lymph nodes in superficial areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin may swell. The nodes are usually firm, painless, and mobile in the early stages. As the disease progresses, lymph nodes may gradually fuse into clusters. This is due to infiltration of leukemia cells into lymphoid tissues, causing reactive lymph node hyperplasia.

If one or more of the above symptoms appear and persist without relief, prompt medical consultation at a hospital is advised for complete blood count and bone marrow aspiration tests to achieve early diagnosis. It is also important to pay attention to bodily changes and undergo regular physical examinations in daily life.

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