Can a prolonged low-grade fever lead to leukemia?

Persistent low-grade fever generally does not lead to leukemia. There are various reasons for this, such as dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, tuberculosis infection, autoimmune diseases, etc. Leukemia, on the other hand, is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells and is not caused by viral infections, thus there is no direct correlation between the two. Persistent low-grade fever may stem from poor physical condition, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, or other factors, which are not directly linked to leukemia.

Possible Causes of Persistent Low-Grade Fever:

1. Poor Physical Condition: Patients with poor physical condition and low immunity, who experience long-term anemia, malnutrition, frequent late nights, and vulnerability to external viral invasion, are prone to illnesses like colds, which may manifest as persistent low-grade fever.

2. Tuberculosis: A chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Patients may exhibit persistent low-grade fever accompanied by fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss, but these symptoms are not necessarily related to tuberculosis.

3. Autoimmune Diseases: Diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatomyositis can also cause persistent low-grade fever, accompanied by symptoms like general fatigue, joint pain, and multi-organ damage.

During the treatment of malignant tumors, the proliferation of tumor cells in the body and the absorption of their metabolic products by the human body can also lead to persistent low-grade fever.

Relationship Between Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Leukemia:

While there is no direct link between persistent low-grade fever and leukemia, leukemia patients may experience persistent low-grade fever due to concurrent infections. It is recommended that patients with this symptom promptly consult a physician for a diagnosis, including blood tests, and receive targeted treatment under medical guidance. For instance, patients with fever can be prescribed medication like acetaminophen for fever reduction.