Blood cancer represents a large group of different malignancies. This
group includes cancers of the bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system,
which includes lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, tonsils, thymus, spleen,
and digestive tract lymphoid tissue.
Leukemia and myeloma, which start in the bone marrow, and lymphoma, which starts in the lymphatic system, are the most common types of blood cancer. What causes these cancers is not known.
As leukemia and myeloma grow within the bone marrow, they can interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to produce normal blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
This can cause frequent infections, anemia, and easy bruising. Lymphomas, which most typically appear as enlargement of the lymph nodes, can also interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections.
Additionally, myelomas generate a substance that weakens bones, and produce abnormal proteins that can cause symptoms in other parts of the body.
Treatment of blood cancers has undergone substantial improvements, resulting in increased rates of remission and survival. Remission occurs when there is no sign of cancer. Today in the United States, almost 1 million people are alive with, or in remission from, blood cancer.
People who have blood cancer can have problems with bleeding and serious infections. Seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe sweating, difficulty breathing, pale or blue lips or fingernails, high fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), fast heart rate, confusion, loss or change in level of consciousness, or anxiety.
Seek prompt medical care if you have experienced unexpected weight loss, persistent fever, frequent infections, night sweats, tiredness, bone pain, or enlarged lymph nodes.
Symptoms of blood cancer can include:
Leukemia and myeloma, which start in the bone marrow, and lymphoma, which starts in the lymphatic system, are the most common types of blood cancer. What causes these cancers is not known.
As leukemia and myeloma grow within the bone marrow, they can interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to produce normal blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
This can cause frequent infections, anemia, and easy bruising. Lymphomas, which most typically appear as enlargement of the lymph nodes, can also interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections.
Additionally, myelomas generate a substance that weakens bones, and produce abnormal proteins that can cause symptoms in other parts of the body.
Treatment of blood cancers has undergone substantial improvements, resulting in increased rates of remission and survival. Remission occurs when there is no sign of cancer. Today in the United States, almost 1 million people are alive with, or in remission from, blood cancer.
People who have blood cancer can have problems with bleeding and serious infections. Seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe sweating, difficulty breathing, pale or blue lips or fingernails, high fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), fast heart rate, confusion, loss or change in level of consciousness, or anxiety.
Seek prompt medical care if you have experienced unexpected weight loss, persistent fever, frequent infections, night sweats, tiredness, bone pain, or enlarged lymph nodes.
Symptoms of blood cancer can include:
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen
- Bone or joint pain
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Enlarged liver and glands, such as the spleen and lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Frequent infections
- Frequent urination
- Nausea, which may be described as feelings of wooziness, queasiness, retching, sea-sickness, car-sickness or upset stomach
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
- Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
- Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations
- High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing
- Seizure
- Severe abdominal pain
- Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding
What causes blood cancer?
Although the specific cause of blood cancer is not known, a number of factors are associated with its development. Many blood cancers are more common among older adults. Some tend to run in families. Certain infections also appear to increase the risk of some blood cancers, as does a weakened immune system.What are the risk factors for blood cancer?
A number of factors increase the risk of developing blood cancer. Not all people with risk factors will get blood cancer. Risk factors for blood cancer include:- Advanced age
- Certain types of infections
- Compromised immune system due to such conditions as HIV/AIDS, taking corticosteroids, or organ transplant
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Exposure to radiation or certain types of chemotherapy
- Family history of blood cancer
- Personal history of certain blood disorders
- Personal history of certain genetic disorders
- Smoking
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