Cancer of the blood cells is known as leukemia. This condition occurs when there is an abnormal growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow. This abnormal cell growth crowds the red blood cells and platelets, causing white cells to eventually die, as abnormal blood cells take over the body. The main function of white blood cells is to protect the body from infections.

Red blood cells, on the other hand, ensure proper supply of oxygen to all parts of the body and platelets, controlling bleeding in case of injuries. Due to the growth of cancer cells, healthy white and red blood cells and platelets cannot perform their functions. This results in issues such as anemia, bruising, and bleeding. There are four types of leukemia, including:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
  This type of leukemia affects children and adults. Usually, adults above the age of 65 are affected by this condition. The cell growth progresses quickly and if not treated, it can be fatal.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
  Also known as acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, it can affect both children and adults. This is one of the types of leukemia that can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, brain, spinal cord, and liver.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
  In this type of leukemia, abnormal white cells grow slowly with no signs or symptoms. It is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
  This type of leukemia is rare in children and usually affects adults. The abnormal cells grow slowly but can change into fast-growing cells. In such cases, it can be difficult to treat it.

The signs and symptoms of the various types of leukemia are as follows:

1. Weakness and fatigue
Low count of red blood cells due to leukemia makes people weak and anemic. This is the most common sign of leukemia, as it reduces stamina and causes fatigue and weakness. Another sign of leukemia is getting tired after a normal eight-hour sleep.

2. Shortness of breath
As the red blood cells are responsible for supplying oxygen to all parts of the body, impaired production of red blood cells can cause difficulty in breathing. Patients might suffer from shortness of breath when climbing stairs or walking around a small area.

3. Swollen or enlarged gums
A prominent symptom of leukemia is gingival hyperplasia, a condition where the gums get enlarged.

4. Bloating
Another sign exhibited by people with leukemia is loss of appetite. This occurs when the spleen gets enlarged, causing bloating of the stomach.

5. Fever
Frequent fevers affect the immune system and makes the affected person prone to infections. Sometimes, people may take time to recover and often show no signs of improvement.

6. Bruising and bleeding
A person affected with leukemia may have unexplained bruises that are visible in different parts of the body. Also, minor injuries, such as a cut or nosebleed, can cause excessive blood loss.