Pre-Leukemia Symptoms

Pre-leukemia is also referred to as Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or "smoldering leukemia." According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center of Seattle, pre-leukemia is characterized by the bone marrow's inability to produce sufficient amounts of blood cells. Pre-leukemia is rarely diagnosed in children and is instead more commonly found in adults over the age of 50. It is also important to note that pre-leukemia is more prevalent in men than women.

What Is Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow is the spongy material located within the bones that is responsible for creating stem cells. Stem cells mature over time and develop into white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Unfortunately, in pre-leukemia patients, many of the blood cells that are created by the bone marrow die before reaching maturity. The University of California, San Francisco explains that the bone marrow insufficiencies that are found in pre-leukemia patients greatly increases their chances of developing full-blown, acute leukemia.

Fatigue

Patients who suffer from pre-leukemia often struggle with fatigue that can at times be overwhelming. The Mayo Clinic reports that the fatigue that is experienced often stems from a secondary condition known as anemia. Anemia is denoted by a deficient amount of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which can also cause pre-leukemia patients to feel weak and look pale. Shortness of breath is another symptom that is associated with pre-leukemia. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When there are not enough red blood cells, oxygen supplies are limited. The result is difficulty breathing.

Infection

According to Mount Sinai Medical Center, a lack of white blood cells in the body is referred to as neutropenia. The human body relies on white blood cells to fight infection, so when the bone marrow is not producing enough white blood cells, infectious invaders have the upper hand. Infections that occur in the bodies of pre-leukemia patients can cause high fevers and coughs. If left untreated, the coughs can manifest into dangerous upper-respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Fever

When the body's temperature reading rises above the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, it means that a fever is present. In most cases, a fever signifies that an infection exists somewhere in the body. But, in the book "Fever of Unknown Origin," author Burke A. Cunha explains that it is common for pre-leukemia patients to develop a fever in the absence of an infection. For some pre-leukemia patients, a fever of unknown origin may be the sole symptom that manifests, prolonging diagnosis.

Unexplained Bruising and Bleeding

The bone marrow of pre-leukemia patients may not produce enough blood cell platelets, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. According to Caring4Cancer.com, blood cell platelets are responsible for the clotting that prevents excessive bleeding. When blood cell platelets are in short supply, pre-leukemia patients may also experience unexplained bruising.

References

• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center of Seattle, Washington
• University of California, San Francisco
• MayoClinic

Resources

• Mount Sinai
• Fever of Unknown Origin
• Caring 4 Cancer