Leukemia is a malignancy of the white blood cells (WBC). Here, an exponential increase in the abnormal WBC ultimately outnumbers the red blood cells (RBC) and platelets. The functioning of the circulatory and immune system also become impaired in this medical condition. It is of two types – lymphocytic (involves lymphocytes) and myelogenous (involves bone marrow cells). It is crucial to identify the following early warning signs of leukemia for early diagnosis.

Loss of appetite
Many patients complain that loss of appetite is one of the common early warning signs of leukemia. Alteration in the metabolism and release of toxins may lead to an unwillingness to have food. In some people, the spleen and liver also become enlarged due to the sudden increase in the abnormal white blood cells.  It impairs the functioning of the digestive system, and sufferers even fail to consume their favorite meals.

Sudden weight loss
If you lose more than five percent of your weight in six months, then it is a cause for worry. Individuals should immediately report such unexplained weight loss to the physician as it falls among the prevalent early warning signs of leukemia. In most cases, the malignant cells utilize a significant share of the patient’s energy for rapid cell division, which in healthy individuals remain stored as fat in the body.

Anemia
Since the bone marrow produces many cancerous white blood cells in leukemia, there is limited space left for the growth and development of erythrocytes. Within a few days, the malignant cells outnumber other blood cells and lead to anemia among patients. They experience frequent bouts of nausea, vomiting, and general body weakness. Doctors advise blood tests for the hemoglobin level to confirm anemia.

Easy bruising
Leukemic patients tend to bruise and bleed frequently. In this case, the blood capillaries leak blood below the skin and develop blue, black, or purple coloration. Usually, these bruises appear on the hands, legs, and back. The injuries last for a prolonged duration, and may even take two to four weeks to heal. The deficiency of platelets or thrombocytopenia is responsible for frequent bleeding and difficulty in clotting vessels among sufferers. Some patients also experience a heavy menstrual cycle, gum, and nose bleeding due to leukemia.

Night sweats
Although night sweats are a common experience in many individuals, it can turn severe in leukemia. Many sufferers even drench their bedsheets and clothing due to malignancy. Inflammatory response of the immune system against the cancerous cells increases body temperature and results in night sweats. If you experience this condition along with fatigue and sudden weight loss, then immediately visit a doctor.

So, now you know about the early warning signs of leukemia. If you notice these health alarms, then do not ignore them as early diagnosis is the first step to successful healing.