By Markham Heid, Prevention
Believe it or not, most of the new blood cells your body produces come from your bone marrow—a fatty substance found in large quantities in the bulbous, bulky ends of your bones. For those suffering from leukemia, one of these new blood cells mutates and becomes cancerous. It then starts to clone—or make copies of itself—and that's how the disease progresses. (Want to pick up some healthier habits? Sign up to get healthy living tips and more delivered straight to your inbox!)
"For adults, the typical age [for leukemia onset] is anywhere from 50 to 70," says Martha Wadleigh, MD, clinical director of the Adult Leukemia Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
[post_ads]There are several "subtypes" of leukemia, which are defined by the kind of blood cells that mutate, and also by how early in the cell production process that mutation takes place, explains Meredith Barnhart, MS, an information specialist with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Information Resource Center.
Both Barnhart and Wadleigh make it clear that, when it comes to leukemia, there is no single sign or symptom. (Here are 10 cancer symptoms most people ignore.) "The symptoms depend on the subtype," Barnhart says. But there are some overlapping symptoms that tend to show up among those suffering from the more common types of adult leukemia.
Here's what to watch out for:
Believe it or not, most of the new blood cells your body produces come from your bone marrow—a fatty substance found in large quantities in the bulbous, bulky ends of your bones. For those suffering from leukemia, one of these new blood cells mutates and becomes cancerous. It then starts to clone—or make copies of itself—and that's how the disease progresses. (Want to pick up some healthier habits? Sign up to get healthy living tips and more delivered straight to your inbox!)
"For adults, the typical age [for leukemia onset] is anywhere from 50 to 70," says Martha Wadleigh, MD, clinical director of the Adult Leukemia Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
[post_ads]There are several "subtypes" of leukemia, which are defined by the kind of blood cells that mutate, and also by how early in the cell production process that mutation takes place, explains Meredith Barnhart, MS, an information specialist with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Information Resource Center.
Both Barnhart and Wadleigh make it clear that, when it comes to leukemia, there is no single sign or symptom. (Here are 10 cancer symptoms most people ignore.) "The symptoms depend on the subtype," Barnhart says. But there are some overlapping symptoms that tend to show up among those suffering from the more common types of adult leukemia.
Here's what to watch out for:
Pale skin
"When leukemia develops, new [blood] cells that are damaged by cancer can overtake bone marrow, and so make it difficult for healthy cells to grow," Barnhart explains. "Because you have fewer healthy cells, you may develop anemia, which can lead to pale skin." Anemia could also cause your hands to feel cold all the time, experts say.
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"When leukemia develops, new [blood] cells that are damaged by cancer can overtake bone marrow, and so make it difficult for healthy cells to grow," Barnhart explains. "Because you have fewer healthy cells, you may develop anemia, which can lead to pale skin." Anemia could also cause your hands to feel cold all the time, experts say.
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Fatigue
As is the case with many other diseases, fatigue is a common symptom of leukemia, Wadleigh says. If you’re feeling wiped out all the time, and especially if your lack of energy is a noticeable change from how you used to feel, tell your doctor. Anemia may also be to blame for your fatigue.
As is the case with many other diseases, fatigue is a common symptom of leukemia, Wadleigh says. If you’re feeling wiped out all the time, and especially if your lack of energy is a noticeable change from how you used to feel, tell your doctor. Anemia may also be to blame for your fatigue.
Infections or fevers
[post_ads]Your blood cells are an important component of your immune system. If they're unhealthy, as is the case for those with leukemia, you can expect to get sick more frequently, Wadleigh says. "Infections or fevers are one of the most common symptoms we see," she adds.
MORE: The 10 Most Painful Conditions
[post_ads]Your blood cells are an important component of your immune system. If they're unhealthy, as is the case for those with leukemia, you can expect to get sick more frequently, Wadleigh says. "Infections or fevers are one of the most common symptoms we see," she adds.
MORE: The 10 Most Painful Conditions
Shortness of breath
Along with feeling sapped of energy, shortness of breath is something to keep an eye on, Barnhart says. Especially during physical activity, if you notice you're out of breath—and that breathlessness seems like a change from what you're accustomed to—you'll want to let your doctor know about it.
Along with feeling sapped of energy, shortness of breath is something to keep an eye on, Barnhart says. Especially during physical activity, if you notice you're out of breath—and that breathlessness seems like a change from what you're accustomed to—you'll want to let your doctor know about it.
Slow healing
If your cuts and scrapes take forever to heal, or you feel like you bruise easily, those symptoms could indicate the kinds of blood cell shifts associated with leukemia, Barnhart says. Small red dots on your skin—a condition known as petechiae—could also result from leukemia, she adds. "Petechiae usually appears on the lower extremities," Wadleigh adds.
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If your cuts and scrapes take forever to heal, or you feel like you bruise easily, those symptoms could indicate the kinds of blood cell shifts associated with leukemia, Barnhart says. Small red dots on your skin—a condition known as petechiae—could also result from leukemia, she adds. "Petechiae usually appears on the lower extremities," Wadleigh adds.
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Other symptoms
While not as common as the five symptoms mentioned above, night sweats and achy or painful joints are also linked to leukemia, Barnhart says.
"Weight loss may or may not be a symptom, depending on the subtype," Wadleigh adds. She also mentions nose bleeds, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, and fever or chills as possible symptoms.
While not as common as the five symptoms mentioned above, night sweats and achy or painful joints are also linked to leukemia, Barnhart says.
"Weight loss may or may not be a symptom, depending on the subtype," Wadleigh adds. She also mentions nose bleeds, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, and fever or chills as possible symptoms.
How diagnosis works
If, based on your symptoms, your doctor suspects leukemia, he or she will order blood tests to check your white and red blood cell counts, as well as your platelets, Barnhart explains. "If the results raise concerns, you'd be referred to a hematologist—a doctor that specialized in blood disorders or cancers," she says. "More specialized testing can provide a clear-cut diagnosis."
If you're still not sure whether what you're experiencing warrants a doctor's visit, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has excellent resources.
If, based on your symptoms, your doctor suspects leukemia, he or she will order blood tests to check your white and red blood cell counts, as well as your platelets, Barnhart explains. "If the results raise concerns, you'd be referred to a hematologist—a doctor that specialized in blood disorders or cancers," she says. "More specialized testing can provide a clear-cut diagnosis."
If you're still not sure whether what you're experiencing warrants a doctor's visit, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has excellent resources.
