Blood Cancer Symptoms

Blood cancer or hematologic cancer affects your blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of blood cancer mimic common illnesses. That is why it is crucial to recognise these symptoms early, before they get to the stage where nothing will work. Here, we will be exploring the early symptoms of blood cancer and when you should seek medical attention.

1.0Types of Blood Cancer and Symptoms

There are three major types of blood cancer:

1. Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a form of blood and bone marrow cancer that targets leukocytes, or the white blood cells. When the body produces abnormal blood cells in large quantities that do not function well, these cells start crowding out the healthy ones. The immune system is left impaired, and blood doesn’t function normally. 

Leukaemia is of the following types:

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

Each type is classified based on how quickly it progresses (acute or chronic) and the kind of white blood cell it affects (myeloid or lymphoid).

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. This system is vital for fighting infections. In lymphoma, lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) grow uncontrollably and may spread throughout the body.

Types of lymphoma include:

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common and includes many subtypes that vary in aggressiveness and treatment response.

3. Myeloma

Also known as multiple myeloma, this cancer affects plasma cells — specialised white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, interfering with normal blood cell production and weakening the immune system.

Myeloma leads to a decreased ability to fight infections and causes bone pain, anaemia, and kidney issues.

2.0Early Symptoms of Blood Cancer

The following are common blood cancer symptoms seen in both men and women:

• Persistent Fever: A low-grade or recurring fever without a known cause.
• Severe Headaches: Often unexplained and resistant to usual treatments.
• Itchy Skin: Itching may occur without any visible rash.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid loss of weight without changes in diet or exercise.
• Chronic Fatigue: Feeling tired even after rest or sleep.
• Back Pain: Especially in cases where cancer affects the bone marrow.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, even with mild exertion.
• Persistent Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away with treatment.

These are among the early symptoms of blood cancer and should not be ignored, particularly if they persist or worsen over time.

3.0Blood Cancer Symptoms in Females

In addition to the general symptoms, there are certain blood cancer symptoms in females that may present differently or more frequently due to hormonal or anatomical factors. These include:

• Nipple Changes: Swelling, discharge, or inversion unrelated to menstruation or pregnancy.
• Frequent Infections: A weakened immune response leads to recurring colds, flu, or UTIs.
• Constant Weakness: Ongoing exhaustion that interferes with daily life.
• Difficulty Swallowing: A feeling of obstruction or pain when eating or drinking.
• Pelvic Pain: Discomfort in the lower abdomen that is not associated with the menstrual cycle.
• Stomach Pain: Persistent abdominal discomfort or bloating.
• Wheezing: Abnormal breathing sounds that may accompany chest discomfort.
• Swollen Breasts: Enlargement or tenderness not linked to hormonal changes.
• Loss of Appetite: A sudden disinterest in food or early fullness.

These symptoms of blood cancer in female patients are sometimes misattributed to gynaecological or digestive issues, delaying diagnosis. Awareness is key for early detection and prompt treatment.

4.0Staging of Blood Cancer

Staging is a crucial part of diagnosing blood cancer. It helps determine the type, extent, and spread of the disease, allowing doctors to choose the most effective treatment plan. Since blood cancer doesn’t form solid tumours like other cancers, its staging focuses on how far the abnormal cells have spread within the body, especially to the bone marrow, blood, lymph nodes, and organs.

To accurately stage blood cancer, doctors perform a series of tests and evaluations. These include: