Leukemia - When To Call a Doctor
Call your doctor to schedule an appointment if you have any symptoms, such as:
- A new lump or swollen gland in your neck, under your arm, or in your groin.
- Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums or rectum, more frequent bruising, or very heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Frequent fevers.
- Night sweats.
- Unexplained appetite loss or recent weight loss.
- Feeling tired a lot without a known reason.
- Swelling and pain on the left side of the belly.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period when your doctor is checking you regularly but not treating you. It is also called observation or surveillance. It means that you and your doctor will watch to see if you develop symptoms. It may be a treatment choice if you are an older adult, depending on the stage of the leukemia and your overall health.
Understanding Leukemia -- the Basics
Leukemia is an abnormal rise in the number of white blood cells. The white blood cells crowd out other blood cell elements such as red blood cells and platelets. The elevated white blood cells are immature and do not function properly. Leukemia -- the term derives from the Greek words for "white" and "blood" -- is often considered a disease of children, yet it actually affects far more adults. It is more common in men than women and in Caucasians than African-Americans. There will be 47,150 new...
Read the Understanding Leukemia -- the Basics article > >
Watchful waiting may give as good or better results than more aggressive treatment for early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is estimated that 1 out of 3 people who have CLL never need treatment.3 People who have chronic lymphocytic leukemia often live for a long time without treatment. Watchful waiting is not usually recommended for other types of leukemia.
During watchful waiting, you will:
- Have regular appointments with your doctor.
- Have regular medical tests, including scans and blood tests.
- Be told which symptoms to report to your doctor immediately.
Who To See
Health professionals who can evaluate symptoms of leukemia include the following:
The diagnosis of leukemia will be done by a medical oncologist or hematologist. These specialists also treat leukemia.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
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