A 20-something-year-old patient in Taiwan discovered that a stubborn blemish near his nose was not acne—but a symptom of blood cancer. Doctors urge the public to recognize the subtle, persistent signs of leukemia.
It started as a tiny bump on the side of the nose—nothing more than what seemed like an ordinary pimple. The young man, in his twenties, applied over-the-counter acne cream for three days, expecting the swelling to subside. Instead, the spot grew darker, hardened into a black scab, and was soon accompanied by a low-grade fever. Alarmed, he returned to his doctor—and the diagnosis was nothing short of life-altering: acute leukemia.
The case, shared on social media by Taiwanese dermatologist Dr. Chung-En Cho, serves as a stark reminder that sometimes the body’s most innocuous symptoms can point to something far more serious. “What looked like a simple infection turned out to be a hematologic malignancy,” Dr. Cho explained. While the patient’s routine blood tests from three to four months prior had been normal, subsequent blood work and a skin biopsy confirmed the devastating diagnosis.
What Is Leukemia and Who Is at Risk?
Leukemia, commonly known as blood cancer, is one of Hong Kong’s top ten fatal cancers, with approximately 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the Hospital Authority. Unlike many other cancers that predominantly affect older adults, leukemia can strike at any age—including young children and working-age adults.
While the exact causes remain largely unknown, several factors are known to increase the risk:
- Being over 65 years old
- Smoking
- Exposure to high levels of radiation
- Prior treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs
- Long-term exposure to industrial chemicals like benzene
- Certain viral infections
- Genetic predisposition or family history
- A personal history of other blood disorders
The 8 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Because leukemia often mimics common illnesses, it can go undetected for months. The Hospital Authority advises seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following eight warning signs:
- Unexplained or frequent bleeding — especially from the gums or nose, or difficulty stopping minor bleeding
- Recurrent fever or persistent low-grade temperature without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and poor appetite — feeling exhausted even after rest
- Swollen lymph nodes — particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Enlarged liver or spleen, which may cause abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness
- Frequent infections — including recurring sore throats, oral ulcers, or chest infections
- Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with sleep
- Night sweats — drenching sweats during sleep that soak the bedding
Why Timely Diagnosis Matters
The good news is that leukemia is no longer an automatic death sentence. According to Dr. Hsin-An Hou, a leading haematologist and convenor of the Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) Working Group of Taiwan’s Society of Haematology, recent advances in targeted drug therapies have dramatically improved outcomes.
“For younger patients with AML, five-year survival rates have climbed from roughly 40–50% to as high as 60–70%,” Dr. Hou says. For older patients, who often cannot withstand aggressive chemotherapy, overall survival has improved from less than six months to 10–12 months—and in some cases, considerably longer with the right targeted treatment plan.
Dietary Precautions for Blood Cancer Patients
For those undergoing treatment, the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation and Taiwan’s Haematology Society jointly caution against consuming eight categories of food during therapy:
| Category | Examples | Reason |
|———-|———-|——–|
| Raw alliums | Raw spring onions, ginger, garlic | Prone to soil-borne bacteria; must be thoroughly cooked |
| High-risk seafood | Crabs, whelks, clams | May harbour parasites and harmful bacteria |
| Hard, crunchy foods | Nuts, hard crackers | Risk of scratching the mouth or gums, leading to uncontrolled bleeding |
| Irritating or fried foods | Spicy dishes, deep-fried items | Increase digestive burden and promote inflammation |
| Fatty meats & organ meats | Pork belly, liver, kidneys | Hard to digest and may interfere with treatment |
| Unverified herbs & supplements | Traditional Chinese remedies | Potential dangerous interactions with chemotherapy drugs |
| Grapefruit & pomelo | (Noted in some regimens) | Can affect liver enzyme function critical for drug metabolism |
Patients are also advised to keep a daily symptom diary and discuss any unusual reactions with their medical team immediately.
When a “Pimple” Is Not Just a Pimple
So how can you tell if a blemish warrants concern? Dr. Cho emphasizes that persistence and progression are the key differentiators. A typical acne breakout should begin to heal within three to five days of topical treatment. If a lesion continues to expand, changes colour, becomes crusted, or is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, or unexplained bruising, it is essential to see a doctor for a professional evaluation.
The Takeaway
This case is a sobering reminder that our bodies often speak in whispers before they shout. What may seem like a simple skin issue could be a sign of something far more complex occurring deep within the bone marrow. As Dr. Cho advises, “Never dismiss a persistent symptom—no matter how trivial it may seem. When it comes to cancer, early detection saves lives.”
For those inspired to lower their cancer risk, the Hospital Authority encourages a cancer-protective diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, along with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. For expert resources and patient support in Hong Kong, visit the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation or consult the Hospital Authority’s Smart Patient website for detailed guides on recognising early warning signs.