Could prolonged fever be a sign of leukemia?
Long-Term Fever: Causes Beyond Leukemia
Long-term fever can be indicative of leukemia, yet it may also stem from various other causes, such as inflammatory infections, rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. Let's delve into these possibilities:
1. Leukemia
Leukemia is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells. Clonal leukemia cells proliferate and accumulate in the bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues, simultaneously secreting negative regulatory factors that inhibit normal hematopoiesis. Patients with leukemia often experience long-term fever, fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding.
2. Inflammatory Infections
Long-term fever is predominantly caused by inflammatory infections, encompassing viral and bacterial infections. Prolonged antibiotic use can also disrupt the body's microbial balance, contributing to persistent fever. Timely blood routine tests are crucial to identify the specific site and cause of infection, followed by prescribed treatments with antibiotics (e.g., Cefixime Dispersible Tablets, Amoxicillin Capsules) or antiviral medications.
3. Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases
Long-term fever may also arise from rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, which are associated with genetic factors and autoimmune dysfunction. Rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by long-term fever, joint pain, and morning stiffness, while systemic lupus erythematosus manifests with long-term fever, fatigue, and weariness.
4. Malignancies
Malignancies like lung, stomach, and liver cancers can also trigger long-term fever. These conditions are linked to factors like chronic smoking and genetics, stimulating the immune system to mount an immune response, thereby causing long-term fever. Further diagnostic evaluations, including tumor marker tests and pathological examinations, are necessary for confirmation.
Additionally, diseases like aplastic anemia and hyperthyroidism can also lead to long-term fever. It is recommended to consult a hematologist and undergo comprehensive tests, including blood routine, blood biochemistry, and thyroid function assessments, to establish a definitive diagnosis.
