Leukemia: Symptoms

Leukemia results in the accumulation of cancer cells in the bone marrow and blood. The presence of large numbers of abnormal cells in the bone marrow can inhibit the marrow from producing normal healthy blood cells. Symptoms caused by bone marrow failure include paleness, tiredness, shortness of breath, excessive bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infections. Cancer cells can also infiltrate organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver leading to swelling.⁽¹⁾

Many patients, however, experience no symptoms at all throughout early stages of the disease.

Watch the full interview with leukemia survivor Tony LaRocco

1. Hoffbrand AV, Moss PAH, Pettit JE (ed). "Essential Haematology" 5th Edition. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford: 2006. Pg. 159.