Leukaemia symptoms: Do you know these signs of the blood cancer?

LEUKAEMIA is diagnosed in around 2,600 people each year in the UK, and roughly six in ten cases occur in children. These are the conditions of blood cancer to look out for.

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Leukemia: Around six in ten sufferers are children

Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells.

It begins in blood-forming tissue - usually bone marrow - and it leads to overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, the part of the immune system which is meant to defend the body against infection.

There are four different types - acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

The acute forms advance rapidly but respond better to standard treatments, while the chronic forms progress slowly but are difficult to treat in the standard ways.

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Blood cancer: There are four types of it

The symptoms vary for each type, and while they may have causes other than cancer, it’s wise to get them checked out by a GP.

The symptoms vary for each type, and while they may have causes other than cancer, it’s wise to get them checked out by a GP. 

Here’s what to be aware of for each kind, according to the NHS.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Symptoms usually develop over a few weeks and become increasingly more severe.

These include pale skin, tiredness, breathlessness, frequent infections, and unusual and frequent bleeding - such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

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Symptoms: They can advance quickly or slowly

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

This form usually starts slowly before quickly becoming severe as the number of ‘immature’ white blood cells increases.

Signs include pale skin, feeling tired and breathless, high temperature, night sweats, easily bruised skin, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss.

However, in some cases it can spread from your bloodstream into the central nervous system.

This can cause further symptoms, including headaches, seizures, vomiting, blurred vision, and dizziness.

Prince William surprises child cancer patient at Royal Marsden

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Nasty symptoms: They can include fever and unexpected weight loss

Chronic myeloid leukaemia

It doesn’t usually have any symptoms in the early stages, and may only be picked up during tests for another reason.

However, as it develops, sufferers might notice night sweats, feeling full after small meals, frequent infections, and bone pain.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Similarly, this doesn’t cause early-stage symptoms, meaning it may only be picked up during a blood test for another reason.

However, as symptoms develop, they can include anaemia, unintentional weight loss, discomfort in your tummy and a fever.

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