Eight leukaemia warning signs revealed after death of Italy’s scandal-hit ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi

Italy’s controversial former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died aged 86, it was announced today.

The billionaire – famous for his infamous ‘Bunga Bunga’ sex parties – had been suffering from leukemia for ‘some time’ and recently contracted a lung infection.

Berlusconi was admitted to Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital on Friday for what aides said were pre-scheduled tests related to his leukaemia.

Leukemia can be hard to spot because its telltale symptoms can often point to other unrelated illnesses, experts say. Here MailOnline reveals some of the most common signs.

Feeling dizzy or light-headed

Being constantly tired and dizzy is a telltale sign, says Blood Cancer UK.

Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells, can cause anemia by preventing your body from making red blood cells.

This can make you feel tired and unwell, which can easily be confused with the flu, according to Macmillan, a cancer charity.

At the same time, it can make you look pale or washed out and even make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, experts say.

Keep getting infections

Frequent coughs and colds that last a long time or are difficult to shake off may be a sign to see a doctor.

This is because leukemia can stop your body from producing white blood cells normally, says Macmillan.

Having fewer healthy white blood cells, which usually fight infection and disease, can make you feel more exhausted and fatigued, even after a good night’s sleep.

Low white blood cells can also lead to mouth sores and sore throats, according to the NHS.

Getting bruises easily

Bruising for no apparent cause or more easily than usual is a symptom of the disease that can affect people of all ages, says the leukemia care charity.

Unusual bleeding, blood spots, or rashes are the result of a low platelet count, says Macmillan.

Because platelets help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and help wounds heal, small numbers can cause odd bruising.

Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the spongy tissue in our bones that is affected by leukemia.

Bleeding gums

Like bruising, low platelet counts caused by leukemia can also lead to unusual bleeding.

Bleeding gums, for example when you brush your teeth, can be a warning sign of the disease, says Cancer Research UK.

Other unusual or frequent bleeding such as nosebleeds or heavy periods can also be an alarm bell.

Fever

Having a high temperature, feeling hot or shivering can be an early warning sign of cancer.

A high fever may be caused by an infection that is more common when you have leukemia because it causes your body to stop producing white blood cells normally.

This can also present as night sweats, according to the NHS, with symptoms getting worse as the number of immature white blood cells increases.

Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen glands in your neck, armpit, or groin can be a warning sign of many diseases, including cancer.

These glands, known as lymph nodes or lymph nodes, can be painful if you touch them, the NHS says.

Lymph nodes play a critical role in your body’s ability to fight infection.

They usually swell due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Although swollen lymph nodes are rarely caused by cancer, you should visit your doctor if you notice that they are swollen and you do not have an infection.

Painful joints

Leukemia can cause a dull or stabbing pain in your joints and bones.

This pain can be worse at different times of the day, says Cancer Research UK.

It can be felt in the long bones of the arms and legs and in the ribs.

It’s often caused by too many abnormal white blood cells building up in the bones, joints or lymph nodes, leading to pain and swelling, experts say.

Some people also have pain under the ribs on their left side, which may be caused by swelling of your liver or spleen.

Headache

Frequent headaches and visual disturbances may be associated with brain tumors.

But they are also a symptom of leukemia.

This is because a very high white blood cell count can clog the smallest blood vessels in the brain.

This can cause headaches in some people, says Cancer Research UK.

Too many white blood cells can also cause eye problems, but this symptom is less common, experts say.