Cancer is the result of genetic mutations in cells (which are either inherited or develop over time), which cause the cells to grow quicker than usual. Blood cancers occur when these mutated cells are in the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made. These cancers can strike either in adults (typically the middle-aged or elderly) or in children.
Types of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer refers to leukemia, which is cancer of the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. There are a variety of different leukemias, which can be differentiated based on the type of cell that is cancerous, as well as whether or not the cancer progresses quickly or more slowly.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Multiple myeloma begins in the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. Some of the earliest symptoms are pain in the lower back and ribs due to small bone fractures. Another symptom is fatigue, as the overgrowth of these white blood cells can suppress the making of red blood cells, which causes anemia. Because these aberrant cells weaken the immune system, people with multiple myeloma may also suffer from recurring infections. Finally, their blood may be abnormally thick, which can cause pain and numbness, especially in the extremities.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Symptoms
Acute myeloid leukemia is a rapidly developing cancer of the bone marrow that arises from cells, which are the precursors to white blood cells. One of the earliest symptoms of this condition is anemia, which can lead to the patient being pale and feeling fatigued. Other symptoms include pain emanating from the bones and bleeding problems. The latter can manifest as either menstrual irregularities, nose bleeds or easy bruising.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Symptoms
Chronic myeloid leukemia is a similar type of cancer to acute myeloid leukemia but with a slower progression. As a result, the symptoms are slightly different and take longer to develop. A patient experiences the same anemia and bleeding problems with acute myelogemous leukemia. He may also have a low grade fever and have small red marks appear on his skin (called petechiae). He can also have a feeling of pressure underneath his left ribs as the result of a swollen spleen.
Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms
Lymphocytic leukemia is the result of cancerous B cells (a type of white blood cell). It comes in both acute and chronic forms, though the symptoms are similar. In both cases, an early symptom is swelling of the lymph nodes. Other symptoms include fever (as the immune system tries to fight the cancer) as well as easy bruising. A patient may also experience pain in the bones or stomach, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and fatigue.
