Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-producing bone marrow tissue that results in the body making too many abnormal white blood cells that don’t work as they should. This interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection. You may experience various symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, bone pain, and easy bruising or bleeding. Treatments for leukemia vary depending on the type and stage you have, but they may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Self-care, talking about how you feel with a trusted listener, and relying on your social support group can help you cope with leukemia.
What Is Leukemia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and TreatmentMedically Reviewed by Conor Steuer, MD | September 6, 2023
FAQ
What are the early signs of leukemia?
Early signs can be vague or even nonexistent, and they vary depending on which type you have. However, leukemia symptoms may include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained weight loss.
How is leukemia diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals typically diagnose leukemia through physical examination of the gums and lymph nodes, blood tests, blood cell examinations, and bone marrow biopsies. They may request imaging scans if they suspect that leukemia has reached the bones or organs.
Most leukemia is not hereditary. However, people can pass on some genes with links to certain types of leukemia and linked conditions, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
What is the survival rate for leukemia?
Survival rates vary significantly depending on the type of leukemia, age, overall health, and other factors.
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Resources
Leukemia: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. December 20, 2024.
Leukemia: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. December 20, 2024.
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