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:
- you or your child have symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
- your child is bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You or your child:
- have a swollen and red face, neck, arms or hands that came on suddenly – on brown and black skin the redness may be harder to see
- have swollen veins in the neck or chest that came on suddenly
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.
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.
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