ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA

• The main symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia are caused by the increased number of ‘blast’ cells in the blood which reduces the number of normal blood cells.

The main signs and symptoms are:

Unusual bleeding caused by a reduction in the number of platelets. This may include bruising (bruises may appear without any apparent injury), heavy periods in women, bleeding gums, and frequent nose bleeds

 Feeling very tired, even breathless, at the slightest effort

 Looking pale  This may be due to anaemia caused by a lack of red blood cells

 Aching joints and bones  Bones are affected by leukaemia cells

 Feeling generally unwell and run-down, perhaps with a sore throat or sore mouth

 Having various infections one after the other, caused by a lack of healthy white blood cells.

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia may appear very quickly over a few weeks, and treatment needs to be given as soon as possible. If you have any of these symptoms you should have them checked by your doctor - but remember, they are common to many illnesses other than leukaemia