Eight warning signs of leukemia revealed after death of Italy’s scandal-stricken ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

Italy’s controversial former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died at the age of 86, it was announced today.

The billionaire – famous for his infamous ‘Bunga Bunga’ sex parties – had been suffering from leukemia for “a while” 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 of leukemia, according to Blood Cancer UK.

The disease, which affects blood cells, can cause anemia by preventing your body from producing healthy 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.

However, as with most cancer symptoms, a host of other conditions can be the cause of the same warning signs.

Keep getting infections

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

Although it can be harmless, it can also be a sign of leukemia.

This is because, just as it can affect the way red blood cells are made, it can prevent your body from making white blood cells normally.

White blood cells usually fight infection and disease.

Therefore, having less of them can make you feel exhausted.

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

Getting bruises easily

Bruising with no apparent cause is another possible symptom of the disease.

It can also make people more vulnerable than usual, bruising on light touch than before.

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

Platelets help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and help wounds heal. As a result, small numbers can cause unusual bruising.

Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the spongy tissue in our bones.

Bleeding gums

Like bruising, low platelet counts 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 can be another early warning sign of cancer.

The lack of white blood cells can lead to domino infections.

However, Blood Cancer UK says night sweats are another possible symptom.

Macmillan describes it as “enough to pull through bedding and bedding.”

It occurs as a result of the body’s internal war against the cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes

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

This may include leukemia.

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 may 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, says Cancer Research UK.

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