How does lukemia affect the body?

Answer 1

In leukemia the marrow is busy producing abnormal white cells and not enough red blood cells are produced resulting in anemia. Patients look pale, feel weak and tired. Reductions in number of healthy platelets cause patients to bruise and bleed easily. Leukemia cells are functionally abnormal, hence the body cannot fight infections and thus patients often get infections and fevers.

Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel throughout the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these cells collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms. In acute leukemia, symptoms appear and get worse quickly. People with this disease visit their doctor because they feel sick.

In acute leukemia, the abnormal cells may collect in the brain or spinal cord (also called the central nervous system or CNS). The result may be headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control and seizures. Leukemia cells also can collect in the testicles and cause swelling. Also, some patients develop swelling in the eyes or on the skin. Leukemia affects the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs or other parts of the body.

Common symptoms seen in Leukemia are:

• Tiredness and lethargy (as a result of anemia)
• Pale complexion
• Frequent, prolonged or severe infections (as a result of impaired white cell function)

• Frequent bruising and bleeding (as a result of platelet deficiency)
• Tiny red spots (called petechiae) under the skin
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Sweating , especially at night
• Bone or joint pain
• Loss of appetite and/or weight
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen

Some of the symptoms mentioned above are quite common in everyday illnesses and do not necessarily indicate cancer. Nevertheless, it is wise to pay heed to these symptoms and seek advice from your doctor. If symptoms persist consult a specialist and get a full check up done. Early detection gives the best chance of cure.