Symptoms of Chronic Leukaemia

As I mentioned in my previous post, most of the patients with chronic leukaemia are asymptomatic. But some may have the following symptoms.

·         Recurrent infections – this is due to reduction of functioning leukocytes. Now you may wonder how does it happen when there is more than enough white cells to fight infections. It is because those white cells do not work properly.

·         Symptoms of anaemia – these includes fatigability and low exercise tolerance. Their eyes also will be pale if you inspect under their eye lids.

·         Lymph node enlargement – These enlarged lymph nodes are painless.

·         Abdominal discomfort – As with chronic myeloid leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia also can lead to spleen enlargement, which is felt by the patient as abdominal discomfort. It you palpate the abdomen carefully; you will feel the enlarged organ.

·         Fever – this is due to infections.

·         Liver enlargement – apart from the spleen liver can also get enlarged.

References : Kumar P and Clark M, 2009. Clinical Medicine. 7th ed.