There are many reasons that stools could appear black or tarry with a foul smell, including eating certain foods or taking iron supplements. However, black stools can also be a result of bleeding, and the darker color indicates that the blood could be coming from a point in the upper gastrointestinal tract. When stools are black or tarry due to blood being present, it is called melena..
Because some conditions coincide with the presence of the disease, the following may be signs of leukemia: Anemia: A low red blood cell count. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. This condition may contribute to weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath.
Blood disorders can cause various symptoms in almost any area of the body. Most commonly, symptoms are caused by decreases in the blood components. Decreased red blood cells and hemoglobin can cause symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath (see Overview of Anemia). Decreased white blood cells or immune system proteins can cause recurrent fever and infections (see Fever in Adults).