What is Blood Cancer - An Overview?
Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, starts in the bone marrow (a sponge-like, soft material in the centre of the bones).
Stem cells in the bone marrow mature and develop into three types of cells; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In most of the blood cancers, normal cell development and functioning is interrupted by an uncontrolled or abnormal growth of blood cells.
Types of Blood Cancer
The three major types of blood cancer are as follows:
1. Leukemia
One of the most common types of blood cancer, leukemia disease originates in the blood and bone marrow. It is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which interferes with the ability of the bone marrow to make red blood cells and platelets.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system (produces immune cells and removes excess fluids from the body) from cells called lymphocytes.
3. Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma starts in the plasma cells (white blood cells that generate antibodies to support the body’s immune system). The most common type of myeloma is multiple myeloma cancer.
Blood Cancer Symptoms
Even though each type of blood cancer is different, some blood cancer symptoms remain common. They can be as follows:
- Chest pain or coughing
- Persistent fever and frequent infections
- Paleness
- Night sweats
- Unusual rash, bruising or bleeding
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Tender spots or pain in the bones
Blood Cancer Symptoms in Female
Symptoms in women are largely similar to men, but some warning signs may be more noticeable because of hormonal cycles, anemia risk, or immune changes.
- Persistent fatigue not relieved by rest
- Heavy or irregular bleeding that worsens over time
- Frequent infections (UTIs, throat infections, sinus infections)
- Sudden weight loss without trying
- Unusual bruising on legs, arms, or hips
- Shortness of breath during daily activities
- Night sweats or chills
- Back, hip, or bone pain
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck or underarms
- Persistent fever
Symptoms of Blood Cancer in Male
Symptoms of blood cancer in male are similar to females but may present differently due to higher muscle mass and lifestyle patterns.
- Constant tiredness or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections (respiratory, skin, or throat)
- Easy bleeding or bruising after minor injuries
- Persistent fever or night sweats
- Breathlessness even during mild activity
- Bone pain, especially in the ribs or spine
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal fullness from enlarged spleen
What Causes Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer develops when certain blood cells start growing in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. This usually happens because the DNA inside these cells gets damaged or changes (mutations). Once these mutations occur, the cells stop behaving like healthy blood cells and begin to multiply rapidly, eventually crowding out normal cells.
Key Factors That Can Cause Blood Cancer
- Genetic Mutations (Primary Cause): Spontaneous or inherited mutations that affect how blood cells grow, divide, or die.
- Exposure to High Radiation: Long-term or high-level radiation can damage blood cell DNA and increase cancer risk.
- Certain Chemicals: Chemicals like benzene, used in industries, can interfere with normal blood cell production.
- Family History: Having a close relative with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma may slightly increase your risk.
- Previous Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy: Cancer treatments can sometimes trigger blood-related cancers years later.
- Weak or Overactive Immune System: Conditions like autoimmune disorders or long-term immunosuppressive treatment may increase risk.
- Viral Infections: Some viruses, such as HTLV-1 or Epstein–Barr virus, can trigger abnormal growth of white blood cells.
- Smoking: Tobacco toxins can damage bone marrow and increase the risk of leukemia.
Note: In many people, the exact cause is never known. Most cases occur due to a mix of genetic changes and environmental factors—not because of anything one did wrong.
Diagnosis of Blood Cancer
Different types of procedures and tests may be used to diagnose blood cancer. The following tests may be done to diagnose blood cancer:
1. Biopsies
This is a type of test that collects samples of cells for examination in the laboratory. For blood cancers like lymphoma, a patient may be required to undergo a lymph node biopsy. Testing the bone marrow (bone marrow biopsies), where the cells are formed can also help diagnose different types of blood cancer.
2. Imagining scans
Imaging scans such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan can help diagnose blood cancers. These tests detect bone or tissue damage, signs of leukemia and lymphoma affecting the spine and generate images of organs and tissues to identify signs of myeloma, respectively.
3. Blood tests
A complete blood count (CBC) shows the cell count of various components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Blood chemistry tests may also be recommended to measure levels of chemicals/key substances in the blood. Abnormal levels of a certain protein may offer information about a patient’s condition.
Treatment For Blood Cancer
Blood cancer treatment will depend on a variety of factors including the type of cancer, age and the pace at which the cancer is progressing. Since, treatment of blood cancer has vastly improved over the last few decades, several cancers are now treatable. Common treatments for blood cancer include:
- Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs or chemicals are introduced into the body (via injection into the vein or by taking a pill) to halt the production and spread of cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: This form of blood cancer treatment uses high-energy rays to damage or kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapies: This type of blood cancer treatment uses drugs to specifically kill cancer cells, without damaging normal cells.
- Stem cell transplantation: Healthy stem cells may be infused into the body to resume production of healthy blood cells following therapy to kill malignant cells.
- Cancer surgery: This treatment involves surgical removal of affected lymph nodes to treat lymphomas.
- Immunotherapy: This type of treatment activates and boosts the immune system to specifically kill cancer cells.
Article By Dr. Gaurav Dixit
Unit Head - Haemato Oncology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first stage of blood cancer symptoms?
In the first stage of blood cancer, a patient has enlarged lymph nodes and high levels of white blood cells.
What is the last stage of blood cancer symptoms?
The blood cancer last stage symptoms may involve severe fatigue, extreme weight loss, uncontrolled infections, breathing difficulty, organ enlargement, and increased bleeding due to very low blood counts.
Which type of blood cancer is most dangerous?
Acute leukemia, especially Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - is considered the most dangerous because it grows rapidly and requires immediate treatment.
What causes blood cancer?
All blood cancers are caused by mutations in the DNA within the blood cells. These changes or mutations cause the blood cells to behave abnormally.
How to prevent blood cancer?
Even though the cause of many blood cancers is unknown, avoiding excessive exposure to radiation, chemicals like benzene or pesticides and tobacco use in any form can reduce the risk of blood cancer. Additionally, regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing a variety of cancers.
Can blood cancer be inherited?
In some cases, blood cancers like leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), lymphoma and multiple myeloma are genetic. Among these, the genes responsible for inherited forms of MDS and acute leukemia disease are the best characterised.
