According to MayoClinic.com, chronic leukemia is the slow growing cancer of white blood cells, or of the cells that develop into white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting against infection. In chronic leukemia, the bone marrow produces large number of abnormal white blood cells that impair the body's defense mechanism. According to 2010 information from MedlinePlus, chronic leukemia affects about one to two people per 100,000 and makes up seven to 20 percent of the cases of leukemia. Some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia have no symptoms, whereas others do develop symptoms of the disease.
Anemia
According to Merck.com, patients suffering from chronic leukemia may experience anemia. Chronic leukemia results in an increase in the number of cancerous mature lymphocytes in the blood and lymph nodes. These can spread to the liver and spleen and cause them to increase in size. The bone marrow is also invaded by these cancerous lymphocytes, where they overshadow the normal cells. This results in the decrease of the number of red blood cells, as well as a decrease in the number of white blood cells and platelets in the blood. These overall changes negatively impact the immune system and sometimes can result in destruction of red blood cells and platelets.
Constant Fatigue and Weakness
According to MayoClinic.com, chronic leukemia may cause persistent fatigue and weakness that does not go away. Chronic leukemia often causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying the oxygen throughout the body. This impaired oxygen carrying capacity results in the development of persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin and shortness of breath.
Bone or Joint Pain
According to MayoClinic.com, bone pain is often associated with chronic leukemia. Chronic leukemia causes a collection of abnormal white blood cells under the bone's surface or in a joint. This collection of abnormal white blood cells results in pain in the bones or joints.
Frequent Infections and Night Sweats
According to MayoClinic.com, patients suffering from chronic leukemia may experience frequent infections and night sweats. These symptoms occur due to the presence of the increased number of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out the normal white blood cells. The abnormal white blood cells of chronic leukemia are not able to effectively fight against infections. Chronic leukemia patients acquire frequent infections and may also experience night sweats.
