Leukemia can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. Most of the general symptoms are more commonly related to less serious conditions. They include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Excessive sweating, particularly at night
• Loss of appetite
  

Additional signs and symptoms vary depending on the exact type of leukemia, and the areas where the disease has spread.

In cases of chronic leukemia, symptoms may not appear for a long time because in its early stages, the cells function almost normally. In fact, the disease is often discovered during a routine physical examination, before symptoms have emerged. When symptoms do develop, they are normally mild and gradually become more severe.

In cases of acute leukemia, symptoms appear quickly and rapidly become more severe. Signs and symptoms of acute leukemias are often caused by a lack of normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These deficiencies can cause a number of signs and symptoms including:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Frequent infections
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Frequent or severe nosebleed
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of muscle control
• Seizures
  

Spread of leukemia outside of the bone marrow to certain organs, the central nervous system, or other parts of the body can result in a variety of signs and symptoms including:

• Headaches
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Difficulty keeping balance
• Blurred vision
• Swelling of the liver or spleen
• Abdominal swelling or discomfort
  

Spread of leukemia to the covering of the bone or onto the joint surfaces expands the marrow inside the bones, often causing bone or joint pain. Spread of the disease to the lymph nodes can cause symptoms including enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands), particularly in the neck or armpit.

Spread of the cancer cells to the skin can trigger symptoms including small colored spots on the skin resembling a common rash.

When the thymus is affected by leukemia a variety of symptoms may occur. An enlarged thymus may press on the neighboring windpipe and cause coughing, shortness of breath or suffocation.

Compression of the superior vena cava by leukemia cells can result in a condition known as SVC syndrome. A life-threatening condition, SVC can result in swelling of the head and arms.

Early symptoms of leukemia may be overlooked because they may resemble symptoms of more common illnesses, such as influenza. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when they experience any symptom of leukemia. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier treatment may begin, resulting in a better prognosis.