• There are three main groups of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. • Each group causes different types of malignant blood cells to form, disrupting the function of healthy blood cells. • In the United States, one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer every three minutes, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
• Different types of blood cancer affect different types of blood cells, making symptoms vary from cancer to cancer. • However, there are a number of symptoms that all blood cancers have in common, although not all of these symptoms may appear. • These are: • Drenching sweats, especially at night • Unexplained weight loss • Frequent infections, chills, or fever • Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Leukemia affects the bone marrow in your body, causing it to create large amounts of abnormal white blood cells. • It’s currently not known exactly how leukemia is brought on. But it’s the most common form of cancer amongst children. • Signs of leukemia include: • Bone pain • Bruising and bleeding easily, including frequent nosebleeds • Swollen lymph nodes • Enlarged liver or spleen • Clusters of small red spots on the skin, caused by subdermal bleeding
• Lymphoma affects certain types of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are usually involved in fighting off infections. • The main symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes, which are almost always painless and located in the neck, armpit, or groin. • Aside from the common blood cancer symptoms, other symptoms include: • Shortness of breath • A persistent cough • Itchiness
• Multiple myeloma causes overgrowth of malignant plasma cells, which are mainly found in bone marrow. • These plasma cells crowd out and block the forming of new red blood cells, often leading to anemia. • Symptoms of multiple myeloma are often slow to appear. The warning signs are: • Back and rib pain, and unexplainable bone fractures • Nausea • Frequent thirst and urination • Constipation • Shortness of breath
• It’s important to remember that almost all of these symptoms could be caused by another temporary, less threatening illness. • If the symptoms don’t pass in a week or two, though, you should see your doctor to make sure it’s nothing more serious. • Another reason to see your doctor is if you have multiple symptoms at the same time, or if the symptom is worse than anything you’ve had before.
• The outlook for patients with blood cancer has improved dramatically over the past two decades, especially if it’s caught early. • As for all forms of cancer, the treatment depends on the rate and spread of the blood cancer, as well as your age and other health factors. • The most common treatment strategies are targeted chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In some cases, more healthy blood-forming cells are added to your body through a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
• We know that when unfamiliar symptoms appear, you need the right answers from a physician who really is looking out for your health. • If you’re struggling from the symptoms and need leukemia treatment, you can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare Hematologists through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.
https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/symptoms https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/lymphoma-cancer https://www.cancercenter.com/blood-cancers https://www.lls.org/http%3A/llsorg.prod.acquia-sites.com/facts-andstatistics/facts-and-statistics-overview/facts-and-statistics https://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/article.htm