Are leukemia symptoms constant?

Acute leukemia may cause signs and symptoms that are similar to the flu. They come on suddenly within days or weeks. Chronic leukemia often causes only a few symptoms or none at all. Signs and symptoms usually develop gradually.

What can mimic symptoms of leukemia?

Leukemia is commonly misdiagnosed as the following conditions:

• Influenza.
• Fever.
• Pathological fracture.
• Bleeding disorders.
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
• Trypanosomiasis.
• Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.

Can leukemia be mistaken for something else?

Can Leukemia Be Misdiagnosed? In many cases, cancer of the blood does not show any symptoms until the disease has progressed, which can lead to a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose. The symptoms of this disease can often be indicative of other illnesses.

Does all leukemia show up in blood work?

Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also indicate leukemia.

How long do you have leukemia before symptoms?

The white cells in the blood grow very quickly, over a matter of days to weeks. Sometimes a patient with acute leukemia has no symptoms or has normal blood work even a few weeks or months before the diagnosis. The change can be quite dramatic.

What do leukemia headaches feel like?

A sudden, excruciating headache that quickly becomes unbearably painful to the point where you can’t move. Sometimes called a “thunderclap headache”, this is the most concerning type of headache as it can be caused by a life-threatening bleed on the brain.

Can you still have leukemia with normal CBC?

Because chronic leukemia is very slow-growing and may not cause symptoms, it’s common for the disease to first be detected in normal blood work when a patient goes to the doctor for a regular checkup.

What does leukemia fatigue feel like?

It is more severe and is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that cannot be overcome with a good night’s rest. Some people may also describe it as constantly feeling physically weak, drained or have difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”).

Can you see leukemia on a CT scan?

Computed tomography (CT) scan This test can show if any lymph nodes or organs in your body are enlarged. It isn’t usually needed to diagnose ALL, but it may be done if your doctor suspects leukemia cells are growing in an organ, like your spleen.

Can MRI detect leukemia?

Doctors sometimes use imaging tests including chest x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans to determine whether leukemia cells have affected the bones or organs such as the kidneys, the brain, or the lymph nodes. In addition, a physical exam is an important part of diagnosis for leukemia.

Does Leukemia make you feel cold?

A shortage of red blood cells can cause: Tiredness (fatigue) Weakness. Feeling cold.