Symptoms

Main symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions.

They usually appear quite quickly over a few weeks.

The main symptoms include:

• feeling tired or weak
• bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
• looking more pale than usual
• getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses
• a high temperature
• swollen glands (usually in the neck, armpits and groin)
• pain in the bones or joints
• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
• shortness of breath
• a swollen tummy - your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full

Less common symptoms include:

• a headache
• being sick
• blurred vision
• fits (seizures)
• a cough
• a swollen and red face, neck, arms or hands - the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin
• swollen veins in the neck or chest

See a GP if:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. But it's important to get them checked.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP may check any parts of the body that are swollen or painful. They may listen to the chest to check if it sounds normal.

The GP may also arrange for an urgent blood test.

They may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.

Sometimes you might have to go to hospital straight away.

Find out more

• Cancer Research UK: seeing your GP about acute lymphoblastic leukaemia symptoms

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.