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Essentially, several signs or symptoms of leukaemia are similar to other more common and less severe illnesses. Specific blood tests and bone marrow tests, for example, are needed to make a diagnosis. Like all blood cells, leukaemia cells travel through the body, hence, the symptoms of leukaemia depend on the number of leukaemia cells and where these cells collect in the body.

Perhaps, those with chronic leukaemia may not have symptoms. The doctors may find the disease during a routine blood test since those with acute leukaemia usually go to their doctors because they feel sick. If the brain is affected, they may have headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control, or seizures. Leukaemia also can affect other parts of the body such as the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, heart, or testes. Since the signs and symptoms vary based on the type of leukaemia, the common symptoms of both chronic and acute leukaemia may include:

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– Swollen lymph nodes that usually do not hurt (especially lymph nodes in the neck or armpit).

– Bleeding and bruising easily (bleeding gums, purplish patches in the skin, or tiny red spots under the skin).

– Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from a swollen spleen or liver).

– Aches in bones or joints (for example, knees, hips or shoulders).

– Slow healing of cuts and excess bleeding.

– Weight loss for no known reason.

– Shortness of breath during physical activity.

– Mild fever or night sweats.

– Frequent infections.

– Pale skin.

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Meanwhile, people with CLL or CML may not have any symptoms. Some patients learn they have CLL or CML after a blood test as part of a regular check-up. Those symptoms mentioned above are not due to cancers in many circumstances. Sometimes, a person with CLL may notice enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. The person may feel tired or short of breath (from anaemia), or have frequent infections if the CLL is more severe. Thus, anyone with those symptoms should tell the doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.