Leukaemia

Information about leukaemia and how to treat it

Leukaemia can come in different forms, including acute and chronic leukemias.

Symptoms

Symptoms of leukaemia may include:

• bone or joint discomfort
• easy bruising or bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
• feeling very tired or weak
• fever or night sweats
• frequent infections or slow recovery from illness
• swollen lymph nodes or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• unexplained weight loss.

When to see a doctor

Some types of leukaemia can progress quickly and need urgent treatment. You should seek medical attention promptly if you experience:

• ongoing fevers or infections
• severe fatigue that is worsening
• shortness of breath or dizziness
• unusual or excessive bleeding.

Leukaemia occurs when blood cells in the bone marrow grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. In most cases, the exact cause is unknown.

To diagnose leukaemia, your doctor may arrange:

• a bone marrow biopsy to examine how your blood cells are being made
• blood tests to check your blood cell levels
• specialised laboratory tests to identify the exact type of leukaemia.

Treatment depends on the type of leukaemia and your overall health. Options may include:

• chemotherapy or targeted medications
• clinical trials of new treatments
• immunotherapy
• supportive care such as blood transfusions and infection prevention.