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Leukemia Signs and Symptoms

Leukemia screening is not available for the general population. But it is recommended you familiarize yourself with leukemia signs and symptoms.

Detecting Leukemia

Leukemia is relatively rare. U.S. adults have a very low chance of being diagnosed with leukemia in their lifetime, which is why leukemia screening is not recommended for the general population. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with leukemia symptoms and alert your doctor right away if you experience them.

Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia

Some leukemias are diagnosed incidentally, meaning as a result of blood tests for another, unrelated condition. Others are diagnosed when patients experience leukemia symptoms and go to the doctor for evaluation.

Leukemia symptoms don’t tend to come on suddenly; while some may develop over the course of a few weeks, others can take years to manifest. Unfortunately, many symptoms are vague and difficult to diagnose. They also can vary depending on type of leukemia and type of blood cells affected. It’s important to have leukemia symptoms evaluated by a physician. If it is leukemia, you want to get a diagnosis right away so you can begin treatment as soon as possible. Leukemia symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Pain or bleeding in the gums
  • Easy bleeding or bruising (hemophilia)
  • Swelling in the abdomen

The vast majority of people who experience these symptoms do not have leukemia. Still, it’s important to seek a diagnosis right away. The sooner leukemia is diagnosed, the better your prognosis will be.

Leukemia Screening for People at High-Risk

There are no leukemia screening guidelines for people at increased risk for the disease. If you were previously treated for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation, or you’ve been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as from a nuclear reactor accident, see your doctor for regular follow-up visits and ask if leukemia screening with blood testing is right for you. The same goes for people with certain inherited genetic syndromes, including Fanconi amenia and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.