The buildup of abnormal blood cells in childhood leukemia can impact the body in a lot of different ways. Too many abnormal white blood cells can crowd out normal, healthy red blood cells and platelets, which prevents the healthy cells from doing their jobs.
For example, red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. A lack of red blood cells is called anemia, which can make people very tired and can make the heart work too hard. Platelets help the blood clot, which stops bleeding. A low number of platelets usually means people bruise more easily and severely.
The job of white blood cells is to fight infection by attacking infectious agents. The abnormal white blood cells of leukemia will sometimes attack healthy parts of the body.
Leukemia symptoms may include:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Bone pain
- Infections
Symptoms like these do not always indicate leukemia. If they last a couple of weeks or more, however, a doctor can perform tests to determine the cause.