Diagnosis of leukemia reuse
Your health history is a record of your symptoms, risk factors and all the medical events and problems you have had in the past. In taking a health history, your doctor will ask questions about a personal history of:
- symptoms that suggest leukemia
- exposure to high doses of radiation
- genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, ataxia-telangiectasia or Bloom syndrome
- exposure to benzene
- previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- blood disorders
- viral infections
Your doctor may also ask about a family history of leukemia.
A physical exam allows your doctor to look for any signs of leukemia. During a physical exam, your doctor may:
- check your vital signs to see if you have a fever, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat
- check your skin for bruising and paleness
- feel areas of the neck, underarm (axillary) and groin (inguinal) for any swollen, or enlarged, lymph nodes
- check your mouth for infection, bleeding or swollen gums
- feel your abdomen for enlarged organs
- examine your skeleton for tenderness or pain
Find out more about physical exam.
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