Symptom 3. Fever of Unknown Origin: The Unexplained Heat Wave
Fevers, in general, are the body’s response to infections. It’s the body’s way of telling us something’s amiss. But in the case of LGL Leukemia, patients might experience fevers without a clear cause, known as fevers of unknown origin. These fevers aren’t accompanied by typical symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat.
The perplexing thing about these fevers is their unpredictability. They might come and go without warning, sometimes even interspersed with chills. The body, in its fight against LGL Leukemia, raises its temperature, aiming to create an inhospitable environment for the harmful cells.
Interestingly, the origin of such fevers can sometimes be traced back to the leukemia cells themselves. These rogue cells might produce certain chemicals that induce fever. Alternatively, they might interfere with the body’s natural thermostat, leading to temperature fluctuations.
Another angle to consider is the immune response. As the body combats the cancerous cells, the immune system can get hyperactivated, resulting in fever. This is a classic case of friendly fire, where the body, in trying to protect itself, ends up causing collateral damage. (3)
