Easy bruising and unusual bleeding are additional warning signs. Some patients notice bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, or small red or purple spots under the skin caused by tiny blood vessel bleeding. Cuts may also take longer than usual to stop bleeding because platelet levels become abnormally low.
Doctors also encourage people to pay attention to swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin. While swollen glands often result from infections, persistent, painless swelling that does not improve deserves medical evaluation. Bone or joint pain, especially when persistent, may also occur as abnormal blood cells accumulate inside the bone marrow.