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Leukaemia (Blood Cancer): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Testing

 Don’t ignore the signs in your blood — early diagnosis can save your life.

 

What is Leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow — the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. In Leukaemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells in large numbers. These cells do not function properly and interfere with the normal production of red blood cells, platelets, and healthy white blood cells.

Over time, this can lead to anaemia, increased susceptibility to infections, and easy bleeding or bruising. Leukaemia can progress rapidly (acute) or slowly over time (chronic).

Types of Leukaemia

Leukaemia is classified into four major types:

1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

  • Rapid onset
  • Common in children, but can occur in adults

2. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

  • Affects myeloid cells
  • Common in adults, especially older age groups

3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

  • Slow-growing form
  • Mostly affects people over 60

4. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)

  • Progresses slowly at first
  • Characterised by a specific genetic mutation (Philadelphia chromosome)

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Leukaemia can present with non-specific symptoms, which are often overlooked. These include:

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Fever, chills, or frequent infections
  • Pale skin (anaemia)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Easy bruising or bleeding (like frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding)
  • Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits)
  • Pain in bones or joints
  • Enlarged liver or spleen
  • Shortness of breath
  • Night sweats

Don’t ignore these signs. If symptoms persist, book your blood test at AK Diagnostics today.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of Leukaemia is often unknown, certain risk factors have been identified:

  • Genetic mutations in blood-forming cells
  • Family history of Leukaemia
  • Exposure to radiation or chemicals like benzene
  • Smoking (increases AML risk)
  • Certain inherited conditions (e.g., Down syndrome)
  • Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy for other cancers
  • Viral infections (like HTLV-1)

How is Leukaemia Diagnosed at AK Diagnostics?

At AK Diagnostics, we offer a comprehensive set of investigations to detect and classify Leukaemia early and accurately:

✅ 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Reveals elevated or reduced levels of white cells, red cells, and platelets.

✅ 2. Peripheral Blood Smear

Identifies abnormal cells under a microscope.

✅ 3. Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

Confirms Leukaemia and its subtype by examining the bone marrow directly.

✅ 4. Immunophenotyping (Flow Cytometry/IHC)

Identifies specific markers on the surface of leukaemic cells.

✅ 5. Cytogenetic & Molecular Testing

Checks for chromosomal changes and mutations (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome in CML).

Advanced testing helps guide treatment decisions. Get tested today at AK Diagnostics.

Why Choose AK Diagnostics?

At AK Diagnostics, we combine expertise with technology to ensure accurate and timely Leukaemia diagnosis:

  • Skilled pathologists with cancer diagnostic experience
  • Modern lab facilities with advanced equipment
  • Same-day and next-day report delivery for urgent cases
  • Personalised assistance for follow-up and referrals
  • Affordable test packages

Book your blood test today — early detection makes all the difference.

If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained fatigue, infections, bleeding, or weight loss — don’t delay. Leukaemia is treatable, especially when caught early.

🩺 Visit AK Diagnostics for accurate and compassionate care.
📞 Call now or book online to schedule your Leukaemia screening. Book now.

AK Diagnostics — Where Precision Meets Compassion.

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