Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, can be fatal if left untreated. The specific symptoms and progression of the disease vary depending on the type of leukemia and the individual's overall health. However, here are some common changes that can occur in the body as leukemia progresses:
1. Bone Marrow Failure:
- Decreased Blood Cell Production: Leukemia cells crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to a shortage of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (immunodeficiency), and platelets (bleeding problems).
- Fatigue and Weakness: Anemia results in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, causing fatigue and weakness.
- Frequent Infections: Low white blood cell count makes the body more susceptible to infections.
- Easy Bruising and Bleeding: Low platelet count can lead to easy bruising, nosebleeds, and other bleeding complications.
2. Organ Infiltration:
- Swelling of Lymph Nodes: Leukemia cells can infiltrate lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
- Enlarged Spleen and Liver: The spleen and liver can become enlarged as leukemia cells accumulate in these organs.
- Pain in Bones and Joints: Leukemia cells can infiltrate the bones, causing pain and tenderness.
3. Other Symptoms:
- Fever: Leukemia can trigger fever due to infection or inflammation.
- Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and metabolic changes can lead to weight loss.
- Night Sweats: Excessive sweating, especially at night, can be a symptom of leukemia.
- Headaches: Leukemia cells can infiltrate the brain and spinal cord, causing headaches.
- Vision Changes: Leukemia can affect the eyes, leading to blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
4. End-Stage Leukemia:
- Organ Failure: As leukemia progresses, organ failure can occur due to complications like infection, bleeding, or infiltration.
- Coma: In the final stages, leukemia can lead to coma due to complications like brain swelling or organ failure.
- Death: The ultimate outcome of untreated leukemia is death.
It is important to note that this is a general overview, and individual experiences may vary.
