Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in seniors often develops slowly, and its warning signs can be subtle at first, making early detection challenging. The disease affects the bone marrow and blood, causing abnormal growth of white blood cells that crowd out healthy cells. This disruption leads to various symptoms that gradually appear over time.
One of the earliest signs is **persistent fatigue and weakness**. Seniors may notice they feel unusually tired even after resting or performing simple daily tasks. This happens because CML reduces the number of healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia, which limits oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. Along with fatigue, seniors might experience **shortness of breath** during activities that previously caused no difficulty, such as walking short distances or climbing stairs.
Another common symptom is **unexplained weight loss**. This weight loss is not due to changes in diet or exercise but occurs because the body is under stress from the leukemia cells multiplying and affecting normal metabolism. Alongside weight loss, **night sweats**—profuse sweating during sleep—can be a warning sign. These sweats are often severe enough to soak clothing or bedding.
Seniors with CML may also develop a feeling of **fullness or discomfort below the ribs on the left side**. This sensation is caused by an enlarged spleen, which happens when leukemia cells accumulate there. The spleen enlargement can sometimes be felt as a swelling or bulge in the abdomen and may cause abdominal pain or a sense of pressure.
**Frequent infections** or a tendency to get sick easily is another important warning sign. Since CML disrupts the production of normal white blood cells, the immune system becomes weaker, making seniors more vulnerable to infections that might take longer to heal.
**Bone pain** or aching, especially in the long bones like the legs or arms, can occur as leukemia cells invade the bone marrow. This pain may be persistent or worsen over time.
Seniors might also notice **easy bruising or bleeding**, such as frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bruises appearing without a clear cause. This happens because the leukemia affects platelet production, which is essential for blood clotting.
Other symptoms can include **fever without infection**, which may be a sign of the body fighting the leukemia or an underlying infection due to immune suppression.
Because CML progresses slowly, these symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for normal aging or other common illnesses. However, if several of these signs appear and persist, it is important for seniors to seek medical evaluation. Blood tests can detect abnormal white blood cell counts and other changes indicative of CML, even before symptoms become severe.
In summary, the warning signs of chronic myeloid leukemia in seniors include:
– Persistent fatigue and weakness
– Shortness of breath during routine activities
– Unexplained weight loss
– Night sweats
– Feeling of fullness or pain below the left ribs due to an enlarged spleen
– Frequent infections or slow recovery from illnesses
– Bone pain or aching
– Easy bruising or bleeding
– Unexplained fever
Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for managing CML effectively in older adults.