What are the symptoms?

Symptoms for CLL and CML

Many people with chronic leukaemia have no symptoms. Often the disease is diagnosed after a routine blood test shows a high white blood cell count. In the early stages, symptoms tend to be mild and develop slowly.

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin
• pain and/or feeling of fullness in the abdomen after eating only small amounts – caused by an enlarged spleen
• tiredness – caused by a lack of red blood cells
• frequent and persistent infections – caused by a lack of normal white blood cells leading to lowered immunity
• bruising or bleeding – caused by low levels of platelets
• excessive sweating at night
• high temperature (fever) without any other signs of infection
• weight loss

Symptoms for AML and ALL

Occasionally, a person will have no symptoms or vague symptoms such as an ongoing cold, and the leukaemia is discovered during a routine blood test. However, many people with AML find that some of the following symptoms appear quickly over a few weeks.

• Fatigue or other signs of anaemia
• Increased bruising and bleeding
• Repeated or persistent infections
• Enlarged spleen and lymph nodes

Less common symptoms of leukaemia include bone or joint pain, swollen and tender gums, skin rashes, headaches, weight loss, vision problems, vomiting and chest pains.