Top 5 silent signs of leukemia to be aware of

Top 5 silent signs of leukemia to be aware of

Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming tissues. This includes the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. There are many forms of leukemia, some of which are common in children, and the other forms usually occur in adults. Usually, leukemia affects the white blood cells of the body. In people with the condition, the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of abnormal white blood cells, which may not function properly.

Silent signs of leukemia
In most cases, the condition’s signs and symptoms may differ according to the type of leukemia. Some of these signs may be subtle. Hence, here are some silent signs of leukemia to look out for.

Fatigue and weakness
One of the most common yet ignored signs of leukemia is weakness and fatigue. This particular symptom is often caused by anemia. Hence, people with the condition may sometimes experience slight weakness and fatigue. However, there are chances it may get worse with time. So, if one experiences this symptom and finds it worsening, they must seek medical advice immediately.

Unexplained bruising
If one notices any bruises that they cannot explain, then there are chances that the person may have leukemia. These unusual bruises are silent signs of leukemia. Usually, they result from low platelet count or clotting blood issues in the body and are often found in the arms and legs. Furthermore, people with leukemia may also experience frequent nose bleeds, heavy menstrual periods, bleeding gums, and small purple or red colored spots on the skin.

Shortness of breath
As the condition progresses, one may grow weaker and feel more tired. Additionally, one may also experience shortness of breath. This silent sign can become challenging for the patients and may cause them to need help with their day-to-day activities. This usually happens because less oxygen is carried to different body parts, including the lungs.

Fever, chills, and night sweats
Although fever and chills are not the most common symptoms of leukemia, they cannot be ignored either. For example, people with leukemia may experience a low-grade fever, a sign that the immune system has been compromised. In addition to the chills, one may experience night sweats, leaving the person and the bed drenched in sweat.

Pain or discomfort in the belly
Another silent sign to look out for is sharp pain or discomfort in the upper left-hand side of the belly. An enlarged spleen can cause this. This is a serious issue, and if left undiagnosed or untreated, it may lead to the death of some parts of the spleen.

Conclusion
In addition to the above, one can look for other symptoms such as bone pain or tenderness, frequent infections, and swollen lymph nodes. If one notices any of these symptoms, one must seek the advice of a healthcare professional at the earliest. This can result in developing a treatment plan that works best for the patient.

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