This information has been reviewed by:
Associate Professor Jeff Szer, Head, Bone Marrow Transplant Service,
Dept of Clinical Haematology & Medical Oncology, Royal Melbourne Hospital
Doctors and other health professionals who treat leukaemia
Lumbar puncture (‘spinal tap')
The symptoms of acute leukaemia usually appear quite suddenly, as this type of leukaemia develops quickly. Symptoms include the following:
The symptoms of chronic leukaemia develop over months or years. Chronic means lasting over a long time. The symptoms are like those of acute leukaemia but the lymph nodes, spleen and liver also become larger. Anaemia may be a symptom of chronic leukaemia. However, most people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia don't know that they have the disease. They may only find out while having a check for another medical problem.
Chronic myeloid leukaemia usually progresses slowly at first. However, it may become more active and more like an acute leukaemia after several years.
The symptoms of leukaemia are similar to symptoms of some other common conditions. If you are concerned about your symptoms you should see your doctor.
Your doctor will examine you and refer you for tests to see if you have cancer. This can be a worrying and tiring time, especially if you need to have several tests. If the tests show you have or may have cancer, your doctor will refer you to a specialist, who will advise you about treatment options.
You should expect to be cared for by a team of health professionals from the relevant major fields (see following list). Ideally, all your tests and treatment should be available at your hospital. This may not be possible in some non-metropolitan areas.
Specialists and other health professionals who care for people with leukaemia include:
Leukaemia can be diagnosed by examining samples of your blood and bone marrow under a microscope. A lymph node biopsy may also be recommended.
Leukaemia is suspected if a blood test shows large numbers of abnormal white blood cells and low numbers of normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
This test can help work out which leukaemia you have.
A small amount of fluid will be collected from your bone marrow with a syringe. A small core of bone marrow will also be removed. The samples will be examined under a microscope. They will also be examined for changes to genes that may be important for classifying and following the disease.
Having a bone marrow biopsy can be uncomfortable, so you will have a local anaesthetic. You may also have a drug to relax you and make you more comfortable.
If you are treated for leukaemia, blood tests and bone marrow tests during and after treatment will check how the treatment is working.
If you have enlarged lymph nodes, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to see if this is related to leukaemia.
Tissue will be removed from the affected lymph node and examined under a microscope. You may have a local or general anaesthetic, depending on where the affected node is. You may have the procedure while you are an outpatient or during a brief stay as an inpatient.
Your doctor may recommend a lumbar puncture. This is to check for leukaemic cells in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
A fine needle will be put into a space between bones in your lower back. Some fluid will be removed from around your spine. This will be looked at under a microscope.
A local anaesthetic will reduce the pain and discomfort felt during this procedure. Some people worry about having this procedure: you may have a sedative if you wish. Discuss this with your doctor.
