×

Blood Cancer - Stages and Types of Blood Cancer

Home> Blood Cancer > Overview and Types

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer, also known as hematological cancer, is caused by a disruption in the normal production and function of blood cells. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world.

Blood cancer can cause blood cells to turn malignant and interfere with normal functions like fighting infection or clotting.

The three primary types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Leukemia involves white blood cells, while lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that involves the lymphatic system. Myeloma affects plasma cells present in the bone marrow.

Commonly observed blood cancer symptoms include fatigue, recurrent infections, bleeding or bruising, or bone and joint pain.

Treatment options are based on the type and stage of blood cancer, and options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant. Modern treatments have significantly increased the survival rate for many patients diagnosed with blood cancer.

What are the Survival Rates for Blood Cancer?

Survival rates of blood cancer vary by type, stage, and patient's overall health. For leukemia, five-year survival is 60–70%, with a usually higher rate among children.

The survival rate for lymphoma varies by subtype. Hodgkin’s lymphoma has an approximately 89% survival rate, whereas non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has about 74% survival rate.

Multiple myeloma has a five-year survival rate of about 60–80%, depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Moreover, the survival rate can be improved with advanced treatment options, like targeted therapies and stem cell transplants.

Early detection and personalized treatment also play a big role in further improving survival.

Book an Appointment

What are the Three Types of Blood Cancer?

The three types of blood cancer are:

Leukemia

It is a blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and usually signifies an abnormality of white blood cells. Leukemia leads to the uncontrolled production of abnormal white cells that replace normal cells and impair the immune system's ability to fight infections. This disease also alters the production of red blood cells and platelets, making patients lean, prone to easy bleeding or bruising, and anemic. Leukemia is classified into different types, including acute or chronic, depending on the speed of progression and according to the type of white blood cell involved, i.e., acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Leukemia symptoms can include anemia, fever, recurrent infections, loss of weight, swollen lymph nodes, and easy bleeding and bruising. Commonly recommended treatment options for leukemia include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants. Survival rates will improve in cases where the disease is caught early and effectively treated.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a blood cancer characterized by its origin within the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune mechanism responsible for combating infections and maintaining fluid balance. Lymphoma results when lymphocytes divide uncontrollably, resulting in lumps in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, or any other body location. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin's lymphoma is relatively rare, with a predictable pattern, and usually spreads from one lymph node group to another. NHL is much more common and can develop in any area of the lymphatic system with a generally more random spread. The most frequent signs and symptoms are swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, night sweats, fatigue, loss of weight, and pruritus. The treatment for lymphoma often involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs. These treatments depend on the type, stage of blood cancer, and aggressiveness of the tumor. Early blood cancer diagnosis and timely treatment significantly enhance the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Myeloma

Myeloma affects the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the marrow. Normally, these plasma cells produce antibodies that safeguard the body against infections. In myeloma patients, abnormally-multiplying plasma cells take over healthy cells and produce defective antibodies called M proteins. These proteins can lead to bone damage, kidney problems, anemia, and an impaired immune system. Common symptoms include bone pain, weakness and excessive fatigue, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss. High calcium levels in the blood from myeloma may cause nausea, constipation, and confusion. Even though myeloma is considered incurable, different options exist for controlling the condition and effectively managing the disease. Some of these include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. The treatment depends on the stage of blood cancer at which the person was diagnosed and their general health status. Advances in therapy over time have improved survival and quality of life for many patients with myeloma.

What are the stages of blood cancer?

The characteristics of different stages of blood cancer may vary depending on the type of cancer. They may also vary depending on the rate at which the disease progresses, chronic or acute.

For staging myeloma, doctors use a different approach altogether, wherein certain tests are performed, and based on the results of those tests, myeloma is diagnosed.

While staging leukemia, doctors generally don’t use numbers, and the disease’s extent or stage is determined based on the WBC count.

Stage 0 Blood Cancer

During stage 0 lymphoma, there are not many changes observed. Lymph nodes and spleen are normal. During stage 0 myeloma, there will be no significant anomalies in the results of blood tests. There will be no organ damage or bone damage as such.

Stage 1 Blood Cancer

In stage 1 lymphoma, the tumor is either present only in a single lymph node or lymphoid organ, e.g., tonsils, OR it is in a single organ outside the lymphatic system. Stage 1 myeloma is characterized by less than 3.5 mg/L serum beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) level, 3.5 g/dL or more albumin level, and normal LDH levels. In this stage, genetic test results are not considered high risk.

Stage 2 Blood Cancer

In stage 2 lymphoma, the tumor is present in ≥2 lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm (either above or below) OR in one nearby organ and group of lymph nodes. In stage 2 myeloma, the test results are higher than in stage 1 but lower than in stage 3.

Stage 3 Blood Cancer

In stage 3 lymphoma, the tumor is present both above and below the diaphragm OR above the diaphragm and in the spleen. Stage 3 myeloma is characterized by 5.5 mg/L or more B2M levels and high LDH levels. Cytogenetics is considered high-risk.

Stage 4 Blood Cancer

In stage 4 lymphoma, metastasis to ≥1 organ beyond the lymphatic system, such as the liver, bone marrow, or lung, is observed. Stage 4 is not typically used in myeloma staging; stage 3 is the most advanced.

Conclusion

Blood cancer, or hematological cancer, refers to the disease that affects the bone marrow and is characterized by uncontrolled division of blood cells. The different types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The symptoms and treatment may vary depending on the type and stage of blood cancer. Survival rates have improved with significant advances in care. Early detection and timely treatment are important. Lastly, following appropriate blood cancer prevention measures may help reduce the risk of this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can blood cancer be cured?

Blood cancer can be treated with excellent outcomes if caught early. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and stem-cell transplantation can all help patients enter remission, but the actual outcome depends on the type of cancer, the stage of blood cancer when diagnosed, and the individual's overall health.

Survival rates have improved dramatically with new treatments and technologies, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants. Depending on the type and stage of blood cancer and their overall health, people can survive blood cancer, while many achieve long-term remission.

Some leukemias and lymphomas, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. The results have been better since the types of treatments available for these leukemias and lymphomas have advanced.

Not all blood cancers are aggressive and deadly. Some of them, such as acute leukemias and aggressive lymphomas, pose a threat to life. Other blood cancers, like certain chronic leukemia or low-grade lymphomas, are less aggressive.

The three main types of blood cancers are leukemia (a disease of white blood cells), lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system), and myeloma (a cancer that progresses in plasma cells) inside the bone marrow. Each type has distinctive characteristics, signs, and therapies.

Depending on the type of blood cancer, the last stage may vary.

For lymphoma, the last stage is stage 4, which is characterized by metastasis to different organs.

For leukemia, stages are not numbered, and the disease’s extent is determined through WBC count.

For myeloma, the last stage is stage 3, and it is characterized by high levels of B2M and LDH, along with high-risk cytogenetics.