How to Detect Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of blood, in which the body malfunctions and produces many abnormal blood cells. The types of cells found in blood include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. All three can be affected by leukemia. Early detection is key in surviving leukemia, because after the early stages, it is a very lethal disease.

• Stay alert for early physical symptoms. Some symptoms of the onset of leukemia include: anemia, loss of appetite and corresponding weight loss, sore or bleeding gums, chronic infections, pain in bones or joints and a unique symptom called "petechial," which is little red spots of blood under the skin.


• Remember the possible underlying causes of these symptoms. For example, easy bruising and decreased blood clotting abilities are symptomatic of a platelet malfunction. Low immunity resulting in chronic infections is a characteristic of impaired white blood cells. Knowing how a symptom can relate to a disease helps an individual to realize how important detection is and keeps individuals aware of their health. This is important so that an individual doesn't trivialize symptoms, which could lead to early detection and save his or her life.


• See a physician for follow up testing if physical symptoms are present. Blood tests, such as a Complete Blood Count or CBC, which measure the amount of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin can determine the presence of leukemia. A biopsy for leukemia is when some cells are removed (from blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes) and then evaluated to see if abnormal or cancerous cells are present. Other tests which are used in leukemia diagnosis include: spinal tap, CT scan, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound and lumbar puncture.