Signs and symptoms of childhood leukemia
Many of the symptoms of childhood leukemia can have other causes as well, and most
often these symptoms are not caused by leukemia. Still, if your child has any of them, it’s
important to have your child seen by a doctor so the cause can be found and treated, if
needed.
The symptoms of leukemia are often caused by problems in the child’s bone marrow,
which is where the leukemia begins. As leukemia cells build up in the marrow, they can
crowd out the normal blood cell-making cells. As a result, a child may not have enough
normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets. These shortages show up
on blood tests, but they can also cause symptoms. The leukemia cells might also invade
other areas of the body, which can also cause symptoms.
Symptoms from low red blood cell counts (anemia): Red blood cells carry oxygen to
all of the cells in the body. A shortage of red blood cells can cause:
· Tiredness (fatigue)
· Weakness
· Feeling cold
· Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
· Headaches
· Shortness of breath
· Pale skin