Table of Contents
Blood cancer is a serious disease, but it can be treated if it is caught early. Here are six blood cancer symptoms and warning signs that you should take seriously.
Most common blood cancer symptoms:
Coughing or soreness in the chest.
An accumulation of abnormal blood cells in your spleen could be the culprit.
Coughing and chest pain are common signs of blood cancer. If you have either of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. A blood cancer may be the cause of your coughing or chest pain, and treatment may be necessary to prevent cancer from spreading.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be indicative of blood cancer: coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a lump in your neck. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your physician for further examination.
Infections occur frequently.
A lack of white blood cells to fend off common viruses could be the cause.
Blood cancer symptoms may arise from the abnormal growth of cells in the blood.
Infections can lead to the abnormal growth of cells, which is a hallmark sign of blood cancer.
Infections that commonly occur and may increase the risk of blood cancer include human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
These viruses can cause changes in the cells that make them grow abnormally, leading to the development of blood cancers.
Fever or chills.
A possible cause is not enough white blood cells, leading to more frequent infections.
Fever or chills are blood cancer symptoms, and a possible cause is not enough white blood cells.
When the body doesn’t have enough white blood cells, it is more likely to get infections.
This can lead to fever and other signs and symptoms of cancer.
If you are experiencing any of these blood cancer symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine if you have the disease and if there is anything that can be done to treat it.
Rashes, bruising, or bleeding that can’t be explained.
A possible cause is a lack of platelets, which are cells that aid in blood clotting.
If you experience any unexplained rashes, bruising or bleeding, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be a sign that you have low blood platelets, which can lead to serious health concerns. It is also important to know that some types of cancer can cause similar symptoms.
If you are concerned about your health, it is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
The skin is itchy.
The exact cause is unknown.
There is no one definitive answer to the question of what causes people to experience itchy skin.
However, a number of potential causes have been identified, including allergies, parasites, fungus, and viruses.
It is still unclear, however, why some people develop symptoms more often than others.
Some possible causes remain unknown.
Nausea or a loss of appetite.
A mass of abnormal blood cells in your spleen that presses against your stomach could be the culprit.
Many people experience one or more of the following symptoms when their blood cancer is progressing: loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
This is due to a build-up of abnormal blood cells in your spleen.
If this happens, it can press on your stomach and make it difficult to eat or drink.
Sweats during the night.
The exact cause is unknown.
A person’s night sweats can be blood cancer symptoms of many different things, including hormonal changes, anemia, and other medical conditions.
However, the cause of night sweats remains unknown for a large majority of people.
Weakness and tiredness that persists.
A lack of red blood cells could be the cause (anemia).
Persistent weakness and fatigue are common blood cancer symptoms that can be caused by anemia.
If the cause of the anemia is not treated, the patient may become increasingly weak and tired until they can no longer work or even live a normal life.
Breathing problems.
Anemia could be the cause.
There are a number of potential symptoms of blood cancer and shortness of breath is one that can be easily overlooked.
Anemia, which is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough oxygen-rich blood, is a common cause of shortness of breath.
If you experience shortness of breath and other symptoms that could be due to anemia, it’s important to see your doctor for an examination.
Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin that are swollen but not painful.
A build-up of aberrant white blood cells in your lymph glands could be the culprit.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible: Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
These could be a blood cancer symptom called lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. The most common form of lymphoma is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which occurs when the abnormal white blood cells that protect us from infection grow out of control.
Other forms of lymphoma include Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia.
While there is no cure for lymphoma, treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your doctor suspects that you have lymphoma, he or she will perform a physical exam to rule out other causes and may recommend tests such as a CT scan or MRI.
If these tests reveal that you have cancerous cells in your lymph nodes, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection and then proceed with treatment based on the type of cancer you have.
What Causes Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the blood. Cells that grow out of control can form tumors called blood cancers.
There are many different types of blood cancers, but they all share a common cause: uncontrolled cell growth.
Some factors that may increase your risk for developing a blood cancer include: being exposed to radiation or other forms of cancer-causing agents, having a family history of blood cancer, and having a genetic mutation that increases your risk for developing the disease.
The five common forms of blood cancer are as follows:
- Leukemia.
- Lymphoma.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a type of cancer that affects the blood (MDS).
- Myeloproliferative disease (MPD) is a type of myeloprolifer (MPD).
- Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells.
How is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?
Blood cancer is diagnosed by looking for changes in the blood such as an increase in red blood cells, a decrease in white blood cells, or a change in the size or shape of a lymph node.
A doctor may also perform a biopsy to determine if the change is cancerous.
Blood Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Staging
Blood cancer is a serious disease that can affect any part of the body.
The most common types of blood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Blood cancers may be diagnosed by a doctor during a physical exam or by checking blood tests results.
To diagnose blood cancer, doctors may do a physical exam and ask about symptoms.
They may also do tests to see if the person has cancer cells in their blood.
If the person has cancer, doctors may do procedures to remove the cancer cells or to help the person fight cancer.
Tests and procedures for patients with blood cancer symptoms may include:
Blood tests
Blood cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of blood cancer a person has. However, most people with blood cancer experience some type of symptom.
Bone marrow tests
A bone marrow test is often ordered when a patient with blood cancer symptoms is seen by a doctor.
The test looks for blood cancer symptoms in the bone marrow.
If the test shows blood cancer symptoms, further testing may be done to determine where the cancer is and how far it has spread.
Treatment for blood cancers may involve chemotherapy and/or surgery. If the patient has advanced blood cancer, he or she may need to receive radiation therapy too.
Imaging tests such as CT scan, PET scan, and X-ray
When blood cancer symptoms are present, imaging tests such as CT scan, PET scan, and X-ray may be used to determine the extent and location of the tumor.
These tests can help diagnose the type of blood cancer and determine any necessary treatment.
Physical exam
The physical exam for patients with blood cancer symptoms will depend on the type of blood cancer the patient has.
However, a general physical exam for all patients includes an evaluation of the overall health and well-being of the patient, including checking for blood cancer symptoms of infection, noting any changes in weight or appetite, and assessing growth or development in infants and young children.
Lymph node removal
There are many different types of lymph nodes, but the two most common types are the small lymph nodes in the neck and the larger lymph nodes in other parts of the body.
Lymph node removal is typically done to assess whether cancer is present or to remove any cancer cells that may have spread. A patient may experience a range of blood cancer symptoms when their lymph nodes are removed, including fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of uneasiness.
This can help stage cancer and determine the best course of treatment.
Surgical lymph node removal is an important step in staging cancer, which can help guide the best course of treatment.
How is Blood Cancer Treated?
Blood cancer is treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy is used to kill the cancer cells while radiation therapy kills the cancer cells and surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery may also be needed to remove the tumor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery. There are many different types of chemotherapy, and each one is designed to kill different kinds of cancer cells.
The drugs used in chemotherapy can damage the normal cells in the body as well as the cancer cells.
There are several side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment, but most people tolerate them fairly well. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and decreased appetite. Some people also experience skin reactions or bleeding problems.
If these side effects become too severe or bothersome, a person may need to switch to a different type of chemotherapy or stop treatment altogether.
Most people who receive chemotherapy continue to have some level of radiation therapy after their treatment finishes. This helps kill any remaining cancer cells that may have escaped from the chemotherapy treatments.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to treat a wide range of cancers, including blood cancers. Radiation therapy is typically given in two parts, called fractions. The first fraction is given when the cancer is in an early stage and the second fraction is given when cancer has spread beyond where it was originally found.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience any blood cancer symptoms, it is always important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and may not always be indicative of a serious health problem.
However, if you experience any redness or swelling in the affected area, pain or difficulty breathing, or if cancer has metastasized (spread) beyond the original tumor site, it is highly recommended that you see a doctor right away.
What Kind of Doctor Specialization Can Diagnose Blood Cancer Symptoms?
Blood cancer symptoms can be a sign that someone has a blood disease and should see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing blood cancer symptoms.
There are many different types of doctors who specialize in diagnosing blood cancer symptoms, including oncologists, pediatric oncologists, and hematologists.
If you notice any of the symptoms written in this article and they are new or increase in severity, it is important to see your doctor for a screening to determine if you have blood cancer.
What is a Hematologist (Blood Doctor)?
A Hematologist (Blood Doctor) is a doctor who diagnoses blood cancer symptoms.
Blood cancer can be deadly, and if not diagnosed and treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body.
A Hematologist will perform tests to determine if you have blood cancer, and may give you treatments to help treat the cancer.
If you are worried about your blood health, make an appointment with a Hematologist as soon as possible!
What is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
They typically use sophisticated technology, such as lab tests, to figure out if a person has cancer and what kind it is.
If blood cancer symptoms are present, an oncologist will typically order more tests to determine the cause and type of the cancer.
There is no one test that can always tell an oncologist whether or not someone has blood cancer, but often there are specific signs that can point them in the right direction.
What is a Pediatric Oncologist?
A pediatric oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating children and young adults with cancer. They can help diagnose blood cancer symptoms and provide treatment for the disease. Pediatric oncologists often work with other doctors to provide a comprehensive care plan for their patients.
Conclusion
If you think you might experience these blood cancer symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are six different types of blood cancer, and each one has different symptoms.
Sources
- Yale Medicine – Blood Cancers
- Cleveland Clinic – Blood Cancer
- Mayo Clinic – Leukemia
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center – Blood Cancer: Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Blood Cancer UK – Blood Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) – Leukemia Symptoms
- American Society of Hematology – Leukemia Patients
- Leukaemia Foundation Australia – Blood cancer signs and symptoms
- Leukaemia Care UK – Signs and symptoms of leukaemia
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America Blood cancer
- Baptist Health – What Is Blood Cancer?
