Symptoms of blood cancer, you must know

Blood cancer, commonly known as leukemia, is caused by the bone marrow producing a large number of abnormal white blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the production of normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood cancer can be effectively treated with bone marrow transplantation, but it remains a major disease that threatens human life. Symptoms of blood cancer can easily affect people's quality of life, especially when they occur suddenly in adolescents.

Symptoms of blood cancer:

1. Sudden onset

Leukemia usually has an acute onset and a short course, especially in children and young people.

2. Fever

The first symptom of acute leukemia is often fever, which may manifest as remittent fever, prolonged fever, intermittent fever or irregular fever, with a body temperature of 37.5 to 40°C or higher. Sometimes there is a feeling of coldness, but no chills.

3. Bleeding

It is a common symptom of leukemia. Bleeding sites can be found all over the body, especially in the nasal cavity, oral cavity, gums, subcutaneous tissue, and fundus. Bleeding may also occur in the brain, inner ear, and internal organs.

4. Anemia

Anemia can occur in the early stages, with symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations.

5. Hepatosplenomegaly : 50% of leukemia patients will experience hepatosplenomegaly, with acute lymphocytic leukemia having the most significant hepatosplenomegaly.

6. Lymph nodes

Extensive lymphadenopathy throughout the body is more common in acute lymphocytic leukemia, but it is not as obvious as in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Superficial lymph nodes are located in the neck, submandibular, axilla, groin, etc., while deep lymph nodes are located near the mediastinum and internal organs. Enlarged lymph nodes are generally soft or of medium hardness, with a smooth surface, no tenderness, and no adhesions.

7. Skin and mucous membrane lesions

Skin lesions associated with leukemia manifest as nodules, lumps, maculopapular rashes, etc. Mucosal damage manifests itself as swelling and ulcers in the nasal mucosa, respiratory mucosa, oral mucosa, etc.

8. Inflammation of the nervous system: Arachnoid membrane

Leukocyte infiltration may occur in the meninges and other places, and the symptoms are quite similar to brain tumors, meningitis, etc. Patients will experience symptoms such as increased intracranial pressure, meningeal irritation, and limb paralysis.

9. Bone and joint diseases

After the lesions infiltrate the bones and joints, bone and joint pain often occurs, manifested as dull pain, soreness, and occasionally severe pain in the sternum, humerus, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia often present with bone and joint tenderness.