Blood cancer is a combination of cancers that affect the way the body produces blood and fights off other diseases. According to InteliHealth, a partner of Harvard Medical School, the major forms of blood cancer are lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) lists myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative disorders as other types of blood cancers. Blood cancers involve abnormal cell growth that originates in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissue. These cancers are related because the abnormal cells act in similar ways, interfering with the production of healthy blood cells, according to the LLS.
Lymphoma
The two main types of lymphoma cancers are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to the LLS. This type of cancer attacks the lymphatic system or the immune system. The body's immune system is its only defense against infection. Symptoms of lymphoma include night sweats, itchy skin, rash, abdominal pain and difficulty swallowing, according to InteliHealth.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow and blood. This blood cancer results in an uncontrolled production of blood cells, according to the LLS. There are four major types of leukemia: acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These cancers are differentiated according to the type of uncontrolled cell involved. InteliHealth lists symptoms of leukemia as aches in bones or joints, fever, swollen lymph nodes and frequent infections.
Myeloma
Myeloma is a cancer that affects the white blood cells produced in the bone marrow, states the LLS. White blood cells help your body fight infection. Myeloma cancer cells reproduce rapidly, leaving little room for good blood cells. InteliHealth lists symptoms of myeloma as painful bones, frequent infections, numbness of the skin, tendency to bleed easily and kidney problems.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndrome is a general term for a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow, causing reduced blood cell production. Myelodysplastic syndrome is sometimes referred to as smoldering leukemia or preleukemia, according to the LLS. Blood tests in affected patients often reveal an abnormally low red cell, neutrophil (a type of white cell) and platelet count. Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome include fatigue and shortness of breath with activity.
Myeloproliferative Disorders
Myeloproliferative disorders cause an increase in all or some blood cells, according to the LLS. Examples of myeloproliferative disorders are polycythemia vera, an increase in red cells; thrombocythemia, an increase in platelets; and idiopathic myelofibrosis, scar tissue in the bone marrow. Myeloproliferative disorders are confirmed by blood tests and bone marrow biopsies.
