Lymphocytic leukemia is a form of cancer that affects a specific type of cell--called a lymphocyte--which is involved in the generation of immune cells in the body. There are two different types of lymphocytic leukemia: acute, which is characterized by the production of nonfunctional immune cells; and chronic, which is characterized by the presence of both functional and nonfunctional immune cells. Though the symptoms of these two types of lymphocytic leukemia are similar, acute lymphocytic leukemia typically causes more severe symptoms.
Flu-like Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with both chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemia are flu-like symptoms. A patient with this condition has no or low levels of functional immune cells, making it more difficult for the body to fight off common infections. As a result, many lymphocytic leukemia patients experience persistent flu-like symptoms, which can include fever; excessive fatigue; bone, joint or muscle pain; swollen lymph glands; and sweating or chills, explain health officials at both the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus, an informational health website established by the National Institutes of Health. Flu-like symptoms may arise suddenly (acute) or progressively (chronic) and can worsen over time.
Recurrent Infections
Lymphocytic leukemia compromises the normal function of immune cells within a patient's body, leading to a weakened immune system that can't protect the body against infection. This effect causes patients with this disease to experience frequent and recurrent infections, explains The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Patients with this disease may also notice that minor cuts or damage to the skin take longer to heal and can be more susceptible to becoming infected.
Weight Loss
Poor energy levels and frequent infections can cause patients with lymphocytic leukemia to experience significant, unintended weight loss as a symptom of this condition, Mayo Clinic doctors explain. Persistent flu-like symptoms can result in a decreased appetite, contributing to weight loss symptoms in certain patients.
Irregular Bleeding or Bruising
Lymphocytic leukemia patients, particularly those with the acute form of this disease, can experience irregular bleeding or bruising. These symptoms can arise after minor injuries, such as bumping into a door or cabinet or brushing your teeth, and can increase a patient's risk of infection. Uncontrolled bleeding due to poor platelet levels in the blood--a medical condition called thrombocytopenia--can also occur in acute lymphocytic leukemia patients, warn doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.
Skin Discoloration
Acute lymphocytic leukemia patients can develop abnormal skin discoloration as a symptom of this disease. A patient's skin can appear abnormally pale due to low levels of red blood cells within the body. Certain patients may develop petechiae--a skin rash characterized by tiny clusters of red spots--that appears across the body, explains Medline Plus.
