Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow and the lymphatic system produce abnormal white blood cells that don’t work to protect the body from infection like healthy white blood cells. This overgrowth of abnormal white blood cells proliferate the bone marrow, metastasis via the bloodstream or other essential body fluids, and take root in other vital organs (i.e., kidneys, liver, spleen, brain, spinal cord, and lungs and kidneys).

Many types of leukemia exist and can develop in both children and adults. According to the American Cancer Society, leukemia is most common in these 4 main types:

• Acute lymphocytic (or lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL)
• Acute myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (AML)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic myeloid (or myelogenous) leukemia (CML)

The warning symptoms of leukemia will largely depend on the type, for instance:

1. Frequent infections

Due to compromised white blood cell production and functioning, leukemia patients often experience recurrent fevers and infections that don’t go away with normal medical treatment.

2. Swelling of organs

Swelling can often take place in the spleen and liver, leading to a constant feeling of bloating and fullness in the abdomen. This can result in decreased appetite as well as significant weight loss in leukemia patients.

3. Joint and bone pain

Stiff, weak, and painful bones and joints are commonly reported by leukemia patients in the early stages.

4. Fatigue

Overall flu-like malaise due to decreased red blood cells often causes patients to appear sickly, tired, and feeling weak and tired all of the time.

5. Abnormal bleeding and bruising

For patients with leukemia, bleeding that won’t stop (i.e., heavy nosebleeds) or pinprick bleeding is common due to decreased platelets. Patients may also report bruising easier than normal, due to compromised blood clotting.