Understanding Leukemia -- Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD on July 28, 2021
1 min read

Many types of leukemia produce no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Anemia and related symptoms, such as fatigue, pallor, and a general feeling of illness.
  • A tendency to bruise or bleed easily, including bleeding from the gums or nose, or blood in the stool or urine.
  • Susceptibility to infections such as sore throat or bronchial pneumonia, which may be accompanied by headache, low-grade fever, mouth sores, or skin rash.
  • Swollen lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin.
  • Loss of appetite and weight.
  • Discomfort under the left lower ribs (caused by a swollen spleen).
  • Very high white blood cell counts may result in visual problems due to retinal hemorrhage, ringing of the ears (tinnitus), mental status changes, prolonged erection (priapism), and stroke.

  • You experience any of the symptoms listed in the description section and cannot readily explain their occurrence. Your blood cell count should be tested.
  • You experience unexplained bleeding, high fever, or a seizure. You may need emergency treatment for acute leukemia.
  • You are in remission from leukemia and notice signs of recurrence, such as infection or easy bleeding. You should have a follow-up exam.