Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia may include:
- Bleeding from the gums
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Frequent or severe nosebleeds
- Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes in and around the neck, underarm, stomach or groin
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, fatigue or a general decrease in energy
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor or your child's doctor if you notice any persistent signs and symptoms that concern you. Many signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia mimic those of the flu. However, flu signs and symptoms will eventually improve. If signs and symptoms don't improve as expected, make an appointment with your doctor.
- Rabin KR, et al. Clinical manifestations of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In: Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=aboutPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..X5001-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-443-06715-0&uniq=210978719. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010.
- Hoelzer D, et al. Acute lymphocytic leukemia in adults. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:2191.
- Pieters R, et al. Biology and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hematology and Oncology Clinics of North America. 2010;24:1.
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7049. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010.
- Integrative medicine and complementary and alternative therapies as part of blood cancer care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1150734030.pdf. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010.
- Faderl S, et al. Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer. 2010;116:1165.

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