There are several types of leukaemia and these are classified by how quickly they progress, and which cells they affect.
Acute myeloid leukaemia
The main symptoms of Acute myeloid leukaemia are caused by the increased number of ‘blast’ cells in the blood, which reduces the number of normal blood cells.
The main signs and symptoms are:
Anaemia (a lack of red blood cells) – which can cause people to look pale, feel very tired and sometimes become breathless at the slightest effort.
Repeated infections – such as a sore throat or sore mouth, which can occur because of a lack of white blood cells.
Feeling generally unwell and run down – this may be caused by anaemia or repeated infections.
Aching joints and bones – the bones may be affected by leukaemia cells.
Unusual bleeding – caused by a reduction in the number of platelets. This may include bruising (bruises may appear without any apparent injury), bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, and heavy periods in women. As well as bruising more easily than normal, a particular type of bruising can happen. This consists of small blood-like spots called petechiae, usually seen on the legs or in the mouth.
Rarely, areas of the skin or gums may be affected by the leukaemia cells. The affected areas can look sore and take a long time to heal.
Occasionally, a person will have none of these symptoms and the leukaemia is discovered during a routine blood test.
The symptoms of Acute myeloid leukaemia may appear within a few weeks, and people often feel very ill quite quickly. Treatment needs to be given as quickly as possible.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
The main symptoms of Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia are caused by the increased number of ‘blast’ cells in the blood, which reduces the number of normal blood cells.
The main signs and symptoms are:
Unusual bleeding caused by a reduction in the number of platelets. This may include bruising (bruises may appear without any apparent injury), heavy periods in women, bleeding gums, and frequent nose bleeds.
Feeling very tired – even breathless, at the slightest effort.
Looking pale – this may be due to anaemia caused by a lack of red blood cells.
Aching joints and bones – bones are affected by leukaemia cells.
Feeling generally unwell and run-down – perhaps with a sore throat or sore mouth.
Having various infections – one after the other, caused by a lack of healthy white blood cells.
Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia may appear very quickly over a few weeks, and treatment needs to be given as soon as possible. If you have any of these symptoms you should have them checked by your doctor – but remember, they are common to many illnesses other than leukaemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
The main symptoms of Chronic myeloid leukaemia are caused by the increased number of ‘blast’ cells in the blood which reduces the number of normal blood cells.
The main signs and symptoms are:
Because CML develops (progresses) slowly, it is difficult to detect in its early stages. Sometimes it is discovered only when a blood test is done for another reason.
The symptoms of CML are often vague and non-specific and are caused by the increased number of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, and the reduced number of normal blood cells:
- a feeling of fullness or a tender lump on the left side of the abdomen. This is because, in CML, the spleen can become enlarged. The spleen is an organ which lies just below the ribs on the left side of the abdomen. It filters the blood and removes worn-out red blood cells. The swelling of the spleen may also cause pressure on the stomach, which can lead to indigestion and poor appetite
- some people feel tired and look pale, due to a lack of red blood cells (anaemia)
- due to a lower number of platelets in the blood some people may notice that they bleed or bruise more easily. As well as bruising more easily than normal, a special type of bruising can be seen. This consists of small blood-like spots usually seen on the legs or in the mouth and is called petechiae. Women may find that their periods become very much heavier. However, these symptoms and signs are rare
- some people may notice a generalised itching
If you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to see your doctor, but remember, they are common to many illnesses other than chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is caused by the increased number of ‘blast’ cells in the blood, which reduces the number of normal blood cells.
The main signs and symptoms are:
CLL develops slowly and many people have no symptoms in the early stages.
CLL may be discovered only when a blood test is taken for a different reason.
The signs and symptoms of CLL can include the following:
Frequent infections, as people with CLL have a shortage of healthy white blood cells to produce antibodies and fight off bacteria and viruses.
A lack of red blood cells (anaemia) causes tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. There are not enough red blood cells because the abnormal lymphocytes are taking up too much space in the bone marrow. Sometimes the numbers of red blood cells may be low because the leukaemia causes particular proteins to be produced that damage the red blood cells.
The number of platelets in your blood may be low because the bone marrow is not able to produce enough of them. This can cause unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds.
Abnormal lymphocytes may collect in lymph glands and cause swellings in your neck, armpits or groin. The swollen lymph glands are usually painless but may be sore. Your spleen may become enlarged and cause a tender lump in the upper left-hand side of your abdomen.
Sweating or a high temperature at night can also sometimes occur. Some people lose weight.
