Blood cancer (hematologic malignancy) occurs when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting normal blood function. It primarily affects bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system.
Types of Blood Cancer
1. Leukemia – Rapid production of abnormal white blood cells (acute or chronic).
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
2. Lymphoma – Affects the lymphatic system (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s).
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) – Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) – More common, many subtypes.
3. Myeloma – Cancer of plasma cells (multiple myeloma).
4. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) – Bone marrow fails to produce healthy blood cells.
Common Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Symptoms vary by type but often include:
General Symptoms:
- Fatigue & weakness (due to anemia).
- Frequent infections (low healthy WBCs).
- Unexplained fever & night sweats.
- Easy bruising or bleeding (low platelets).
- Pale skin (anemia-related).
Type-Specific Symptoms:
- Leukemia:
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Bone/joint pain.
- Weight loss.
- Lymphoma:
- Painless, enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin).
- Itchy skin.
- Persistent cough or breathlessness (if chest nodes affected).
- Myeloma:
- Bone pain (especially spine/ribs).
- Kidney problems (excess calcium/protein).
- Frequent fractures.
