Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma cancers originate from the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. Bone marrow, the spongy tissue that fills the bones, is responsible for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all organs and tissues, white blood cells that help the body ward off infection, and platelets, which are vital to blood clotting.
Pain
Bone marrow cancers will often cause pain due to the accumulation of plasma cells weakening the bone and allowing tiny stress fractures around the ribs and spine. Over time, the plasma cell proliferation will cause bones to become brittle. In leukemia and lymphoma patients, pain may result from the underlying tumor, or as a side effect of treatment.
Fractures
As the malignant cells proliferate, the bones become increasingly brittle until even simple tasks become too much for the compromised bone, and it fractures and breaks. According to the American Cancer Society, patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma have often stated that they suddenly felt excruciating pain in a bone that had previously only ached. Patients who suffer from a broken bone or fracture may not realize they have cancer until revealed as such by the x-rays taken to verify the break.
Infections
Leukemia starts in the white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting off infections in the body. As the white blood cells fail to mature and function properly, the body loses the ability to ward off infections. In lymphoma and myeloma patients, as the cancer cells begin to overwhelm the healthy cells, a marked decline occurs in the ability to fight infection. People may notice an increase in colds and viruses, and it may take considerably longer for infections to dissipate.
Fatigue and Shortness of Breath
Oxygen is vital to all tissues and organs of the body. Oxygen requires red blood cells to transport them throughout the body's tissues. As the malignant cancer cells begin to overwhelm the bone marrow, the production of red blood cells begins to decrease. A lack of oxygen throughout the body will cause fatigue and shortness of breath.
Itching
It is not entirely clear why bone marrow cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma cause itching. Itching by itself is not an indication of cancer. There is usually no central location for itching associated with cancer. However, patients will often complain that they itch everywhere with no visible cause for the itching such as a rash or bug bite.
