Overview
Blood cancers are a group of cancers that affect blood cells or the tissues that make them, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system. The main types are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These cancers can interfere with the body's ability to carry oxygen, control bleeding, and fight infection.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms vary by type, but common signs include unusual tiredness, repeated infections, fever, night sweats, weight loss, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, and easy bruising or bleeding. Some people notice pale skin or shortness of breath because of low red blood cells. Symptoms can develop slowly or come on quickly.
Causes and Risk Factors
Blood cancers happen when certain blood cells begin to grow out of control. In many people, the exact cause is not known. Risk factors can include older age, some inherited conditions, previous cancer treatment, certain chemical exposures, radiation exposure, and some infections such as Epstein-Barr virus or HIV for particular lymphoma types.
Who Is Affected
Blood cancers can affect children, adults, and older people, but the pattern depends on the type. Some leukemias are more common in children, while many lymphomas and myeloma are more common in adults or older adults. Blood cancers occur in all regions of the world.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may start with a medical history, physical exam, and blood tests such as a complete blood count. Further testing may include bone marrow aspiration or biopsy, lymph node biopsy, imaging scans, and specialized laboratory tests that look at cancer cell markers or genetic changes. These tests help identify the type of blood cancer and guide treatment planning.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the exact type of blood cancer, how advanced it is, symptoms, age, and overall health. Options may include watchful monitoring for selected slow-growing cancers, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, corticosteroids, and stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Supportive care such as blood transfusions, infection treatment, and symptom control is also important.
Living With It
Living with a blood cancer can involve frequent appointments, tests, and changes in energy level or daily routine. Emotional support, practical help, and clear communication with the care team can make a difference. Some people may need to take extra steps to reduce infection exposure, depending on their treatment and blood counts.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have ongoing fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, repeated infections, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, night sweats, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can have many causes, but they should be assessed, especially if they persist or worsen. If you have already been diagnosed with a blood cancer, report new symptoms promptly.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, high fever, or signs of a serious infection. Immediate care is also needed for severe dehydration, fainting, seizures, or sudden worsening after cancer treatment. Some blood cancers and their treatments can lead to emergencies that need quick evaluation.