Occasionally, a person will have no symptoms or vague symptoms such as an ongoing cold, and the leukaemia is discovered during a routine blood test. Usually, people with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) find that some of the following symptoms appear quickly over a few weeks.
| Anaemia | Low levels of red blood cells (anaemia) can cause tiredness (fatigue), weakness, a pale complexion and breathlessness. |
| Increased bruising and bleeding | Low platelet levels can cause bruising without a bump or fall, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy periods, and small red or purple spots on the skin or mouth (called petechiae). |
| Repeated or persistent infections | A lack of normal white blood cells can cause mouth sores or ulcers, sore throats, fevers, sweats, coughing, boils, infected cuts or scratches, and frequent and painful passing of urine. A low white blood cell level can also lead to more serious infections. |
| Enlarged spleen and lymph nodes | When leukaemia causes a build-up of abnormal white blood cells, the lymph nodes and spleen can become swollen. An enlarged spleen can cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen or back. |
| Less common symptoms | These include bone or joint pain, swollen and tender gums, skin rashes, headaches, weight loss, vision problems, vomiting and chest pains. |
More resources
Dr Jonathan Sillar, Haematologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital; Dr Scott Dunkley, Haematologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Sharon Frazer, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Haematology, Westmead Hospital; Katelin Mayer, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cancer Outreach Team, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
