What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

The signs and symptoms of ALL can vary from person to person. They often stem from the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells (called lymphoblasts) that crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow and bloodstream.

This leads to several complications, and because symptoms can sometimes mimic other illnesses, it's important to pay attention to how you're feeling. If you're concerned, seeking medical attention early can make a big difference.

Common Symptoms of ALL

• Fever: People with ALL often experience fevers due to a weakened immune system. The leukemia cells crowd out normal white blood cells that fight infections, making the body more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Fevers in ALL patients should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare provider.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Fatigue is common in ALL due to anemia—a decrease in red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to your tissues. This lack of oxygen causes tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath. Chemotherapy can also worsen fatigue by affecting not only the cancer cells but also healthy cells, including those in your digestive system, leading to nausea and reduced appetite.

• Bleeding and Bruising: Bruising and slow healing can happen because ALL reduces the number of platelets, the cells responsible for clotting. This condition, called thrombocytopenia, means even small bumps can cause noticeable bruises or prolonged bleeding.

• Bone and Joint Pain: ALL can cause bone and joint pain, especially in the long bones of the arms and legs, as leukemia cells build up in the bone marrow. Children often experience this more intensely. Chemotherapy can also contribute to bone pain in some cases.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Leukemia cells can accumulate in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell. While swollen lymph nodes are also a common response to infections, in ALL patients, it can signal leukemia progression.

• Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite: Many factors can cause weight loss in ALL, including the disease itself and its treatments. Chemotherapy can lead to nausea and loss of appetite, making it difficult to eat properly. Leukemia can also affect your metabolism, increasing your body’s demand for energy and nutrients.

• Other Symptoms: Night sweats, abdominal discomfort (from a swollen spleen or liver), and headaches are less common but possible. If leukemia spreads to the central nervous system (CNS), symptoms like vomiting, confusion, and even seizures may occur.

Why Seeking Medical Care is Crucial

ALL is an aggressive blood cancer, so it's important to get medical attention quickly if you're experiencing symptoms. Early treatment can help manage your symptoms, improve outcomes, and prevent the leukemia from progressing further. Your doctors will work closely with you to adjust your treatment plan and provide support to manage side effects and complications.

Remember, coping with ALL can be tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Talk to your medical team about your concerns. If you are looking for a specialist to help with your ALL treatment, or would like a second opinion, visit our ALL Specialist Directory below. 

ALL Specialist Directory