Leukemia symptoms can vary by the cancer stage and key in of leukemia you have.
In the early stages,leukemiasymptoms like fatigue, fever, and bruising can be subtle and easily dismissed.
The symptoms worsen with each stage of cancer.
Illustration by Verywell
Leukemia Symptom by Stage
Leukemia is classified by stage.
This, in turn, directs the appropriate course of treatment.
Broadly speaking, the symptoms of leukemia can best be categorized by whether the disease is early-stage or advanced-stage.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Early-Stage Symptoms
The early symptoms of leukemia are usually generalized and non-specific.
Ifacuteforms of leukemia are involved, the onset may be sudden.
Ifchronicforms are involved, they may develop slowly and be harder to recognize.
As the number of white blood cells continues to drop, your ability to fight infection will decrease.
The decline in red blood cells and platelets will also account for the worsening of anemia andthrombocytopenia.
Each can manifest with different symptoms and at different rates.
Acute Leukemias
Acute leukemia is caused whenblood stem cellsfail to mature into normal white blood cells.
The two main types of acute leukemia areacute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)andacute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Even so, some may be partially functional.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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Moffitt Cancer Center.What is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia?
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National Cancer Institute.Adult acute myeloid leukemia treatment (PDQ): health professional version.
National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment (PDQ)patient version.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
John Hopkins Medicine.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) diagnosis.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Risk factors for leukemia.
