Cancer that affects the blood cells is known as leukemia. The condition develops when the body creates more white blood cells than needed. These blood cells have mutated DNA and can grow and divide faster than normal cells. These cells are incapable of fighting infections and also impair the production of red blood cells and platelets. The earlier leukemia is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. This is why it is essential for one to be able to recognize the symptoms of different types of leukemia.

There are four main types of the condition. These types are categorized on the basis of how fast the disease develops and the type of cells involved. The symptoms of different types of leukemia vary according to the case. More information about them is given below.

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
  This type of leukemia involves bone marrow cells that become lymphocytes. It develops when abnormal blood cells do not mature. It is the most common type of blood cancer and can spread to the central nervous system and lymph nodes.
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
  This type of leukemia involves bone marrow cells that create red and white blood cells and platelets. It is the second most common type of leukemia diagnosed in childhood and the most common form of adult leukemia.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
  Chronic lymphocytic leukemia develops at a slow pace and involves lymphocytes. This type of leukemia can stay stable for many years and may not need treatment.
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
  This type of leukemia is the hardest to diagnose since it has very few visible symptoms. In many cases, it is diagnosed only after a blood test. People over the age of 65 have the highest risk of this type of leukemia.

The symptoms of different types of leukemia are usually not noticeable in the early stages of this disease. Symptoms when noticeable include the following:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Bleeding easily and bruising
• Nosebleeds
• Recurrent, severe infections
• Painful joints and bones
• Headaches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Vomiting and nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the lymph nodes

The exact cause of leukemia is unclear. In some cases, it may be triggered by unusual chromosomes. Some of the known risk factors of the condition are:

• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation
• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• A family history of leukemia
• Genetic disorders such as Down’s syndrome.

If any of the symptoms of different types of leukemia are suspected, it is crucial to consult a medical professional at once. This will make it easier to get the condition diagnosed in the early stages, making treating the condition easier.