Leukemia Symptoms

Many times, leukemia does not have symptoms in the early stages. When it does have signs, they vary from person to person and according to the type of leukemia. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Unexplained fever
• Persistent fatigue or feeling of weakness
• Unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite
• Easy bruising or bleeding, unexplained nose bleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Petechiae (tiny red spots under the skin caused by bleeding)
• Swollen lymph glands
• Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
• Night sweats
• Bone or joint pain
• Recurring infections

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia may also include painless lumps under the skin in the groin, underarm or neck, and/or pain under the ribs.

These symptoms do not always mean you have leukemia. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.

Some cases of leukemia can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.