When there are not enough platelets, patients bleed and bruise easily. Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travels though the body. Depending on the number of abnormal cells and where these calls collect, patients with leukemia may have a number of symptoms. In acute leukemia, symptoms appear and get worse quickly. People with this disease go to their doctor because they feel sick.
Doctors often find chronic leukemia during a routine checkup, before there are any symptoms.
The result may be headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control, and seizures. Leukemia cells also can collect in the testicles and cause swelling. Also, some patients develop sores in the eyes or on the skin. Leukemia also can affect the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, or other parts of the body. In chronic leukemia, the abnormal blood cells may gradually collect in various parts of the body.