Every year, around 1.24 million instances of blood cancer are diagnosed globally, accounting for roughly 6% of all cancer cases. Blood cancer is of many types. It is a collection of disorders that individually impair the normal functioning of blood cells and eventually weaken the system. This category comprises an increase of malignant cells in the bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system. Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on whether the disease is leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or perhaps another variety of blood cancer.
Many individuals may not show any symptoms until the illness has advanced. They may also confuse the signs with those of a nasty cold or flu. Hence, it is vital to see a doctor if you notice any blood cancer symptoms, especially if they linger for more than a few weeks without improvement.
Watch out for the following signs of blood cancer:
Inexplicable Weight Loss
This weight loss results from the body’s response to the cancerous cells or the cancerous cells themselves, which tend to cause fat and muscle loss. It can also cause a change in metabolism.
Abnormal Bruising or Bleeding
It is due to a low platelet count, which impairs blood clotting. Poor blood clotting can lead to frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, excessive bleeding from a cut, a heavy period flow, black or red-streaked faeces, or blood in the urine. Additionally, small, flat spots of blood under the skin may appear. It is known as petechiae, and on darker skin, they may appear darker than the skin around them.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
An unusual buildup of white blood cells in the lymph nodes causes them to swell. They are most commonly found in the armpit, neck, and groin areas. Although they are usually painless, some patients experience discomfort. Swollen lymph nodes may also occur further inside the body, which can cause shortness of breath, pain, or discomfort as they press on your organs.
Fatigue and Difficulty in Breathing
A reduced count of red blood cells, most commonly known as anemia, is to blame for these symptoms. In addition, feeling dizzy, lightheaded, an erratic heartbeat, feeling short of breath even while resting, feeling faint, recurring headaches, and exhaustion that does not improve with rest is commonly associated with blood cancer symptoms.
Night Sweats
Although the cause of this symptom is unknown, patients experience heavy night sweats, especially those with lymphoma or leukemia.
Severe or Recurring Infections
White blood cells help the body fight infection. Low levels of white blood cells are the reason for
- Chronic, frequent, or aggressive infections
- Mouth ulcers that do not heal
- Recurrent and persistent fevers of 38°C or higher, even if there are no other clear indicators of illness
- Shivers
- Chills
- Sore throat and other flu-like symptoms.
Rashes and Itchy Skin
A low platelet count might result in rashes. Some patients with blood cancer report itching, but the cause is unsure. Tiny red spots on the skin or a purple rash that does not diminish on pressing may develop.
Itching caused by lymphoma can be excruciating. A burning feeling may also occur.
Bone, Joint, or Abdominal Pain
The causes include deterioration of your bones (including your joints) and the accumulation of abnormal blood cells in your spleen, leading to abdominal pain.
Myeloma can cause discomfort in any bone, including the back, ribs, and hips. A loss of appetite, experiencing discomfort beneath your ribs on the left side, bloating or swelling, and pain can be due to this blood cancer symptom.
Paleness
Anemia can cause paleness, pallor, yellowing, or graying of the skin, especially of the palms.
Neurological Symptoms
An excessively high white blood count causes neurological symptoms such as visual abnormalities, disorientation, vomiting, loss of muscular function, or seizures. It is often seen in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer that develops rapidly.
Hypercalcemia
Multiple myeloma produces elevated calcium levels in the blood. This can result in stomach discomfort, prolonged thirst, excessive urine, constipation, appetite loss, weakness, and disorientation.
Too much calcium in your bloodstream can also be harmful to your kidneys. Certain proteins produced by cancer cells can do so as well. The resulting symptoms include swollen ankles, shortness of breath, and itching skin. In addition, the proteins released by cancer cells can damage your nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and pain in your arms and legs. Multiple myeloma cells also push out healthy blood cells. It can lead to bleeding issues, anemia, and an increased risk of infection.
Conclusion
People may experience symptoms not included here, and not everyone will experience the same ones. However, blood cancer symptoms frequently appear in groups. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical assistance right once. Blood cancer has a 70% 5-year survival rate, and early identification improves cancer outcomes by providing treatment at the earliest possible stage.
Read More Blogs.