Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the body’s blood-forming tissues, the bone marrow, and the lymphatic system. While the condition can be managed with the right treatment, it should be diagnosed early for a favorable prognosis. One way to diagnose leukemia on time is to look out for its warning signs and consult a healthcare professional when they emerge. There are different types of leukemia, each with a unique set of symptoms.

1. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
This type of leukemia starts in the bone marrow, where blood-forming cells are located. Poor appetite is a common symptom, which can affect a person’s fitness levels and cause weakness, fatigue, and exhaustion. The patient may also experience high fever and difficulty breathing. Furthermore, some may be susceptible to easy bleeding or bruising. When there is bleeding in the skin, it can leave red or purple spots on the surface, a condition that is also called petechiae.

2. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
This type of leukemia progresses slowly and is prevalent in children. It creates immature or abnormal blood cells instead of healthy, mature ones. When administered in time, the right treatment increases the chances of cure. Some early warning signs to look for are bone pain, fever, bleeding from the gums, pale skin, frequent or severe nosebleeds, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, weakness, and frequent infections. One may also notice lumps in and around the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen caused by swollen lymph nodes.

3. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
This type of leukemia usually does not trigger symptoms in the early stages. One may experience the signs only after the condition progresses. Moreover, the discomforts that arise may resemble those experienced with ALL or AML. A few examples include easy bruising or bleeding, swelling in the lymph nodes, extreme fatigue and weakness, and frequent infections.

4. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
This type of leukemia is also called chronic myelogenous leukemia. Like CLL, it may not trigger any early symptoms. However, some experience night sweats, fullness below the left ribs, and extreme fatigue.

Other warning signs
When cancer spreads, it can also lead to other complications and health conditions, which can be warning signs. Three common disorders to look for are anemia, leukopenia, and enlarged liver or spleen:

• Anemia
  Anemia develops when the red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen around the body reduce in number. It leads to weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.
• Leukopenia
  This health disorder is characterized by a low white blood cell (WBC) count. It affects the body’s immune function, increasing the risk of infections and diseases.
• Enlarged liver or spleen
  A build-up of abnormal blood cells in the liver or the spleen can cause swelling and fullness in the upper-left side of the abdomen.

Individuals who notice these symptoms should visit a healthcare provider immediately and get a diagnosis. The earlier leukemia is diagnosed, the better it can be managed in the long run. The expert may develop a treatment plan after considering the patient’s age, the type of the disease, and other factors.