10 Leukemia Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Symptom #5: Bone and Joint Pain
In leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that are known as leukemic cells or blasts. Due to the overcrowding of cancer cells in the bone marrow, bone pain can occur. The leukemic cells can also form a mass surrounding the spinal cord’s nerves as well as the joints.
In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 25% of patients experience bone pain at the onset of the disease. Bone pain is most commonly felt in the long bones of the arms, legs, sternum, and ribs as these sites are where blood cells are produced. After bone pain begins, joint pain may develop in large joints such as shoulders and hips.
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