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Symptoms and Causes of Blood Cancer

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Who is Mainly Affected by Blood Cancer?

Although blood cancer can occur in any person at any age, they are relatively more common in certain at-risk groups.

Leukemia is most common among children and the elderly group of the age of 60 or older.

Lymphoma is more common among adults, with non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas frequently occurring in those over age 60 and Hodgkin’s lymphomas occurring in a somewhat younger population and older adults.

Myeloma tends to occur in patients above 65 years.

In specific subgroups of blood cancer, more men may be diagnosed with such diseases than women. Early blood cancer diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective disease management.

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What are the Symptoms of Blood Cancer?

The following are the commonly observed signs of blood cancer:

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating signs and symptoms of blood cancer. In blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, abnormal production of blood cells results in anemia and depletes oxygen supplies to tissues, leading to extreme fatigue. The body's immune system is impaired, making it difficult to fight infections. Aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and many other treatments also contribute to chronic fatigue because they damage healthy cells. Fatigue associated with blood cancer is often persistent; it does not get better even after resting.

2. Persistent Fever

One of the most common symptoms of blood cancer is persistent fever, especially in cases of leukemia and lymphoma. Blood cancers cause bone marrow damage and abnormal WBC production, which weaken the body’s immune system and cause persistent fever. Also, a persistent fever in blood cancer patients may be the body’s attempt to act against these malignant cells.

3. Drenching Night Sweats

Drenching night sweats, which occur without physical exertion or high temperatures, may also indicate the presence of blood cancer, especially lymphoma. They may result from the body's reaction against cancerous cells or fever-inducing cytokines. Night sweats associated with blood cancer are persistent.

4. Unusual Bleeding or Bruising

Another common symptom of blood cancer, especially leukemia, is unusual bleeding and bruising. Blood cancer can disrupt the formation of adequate platelets in the body, which are required for blood clotting. Therefore, the patient experiences frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeding, small red spots under the skin, known as petechiae, and bruises quickly.

5. Infections

Infections are common in patients with blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Blood cancers impair the formation of normal white blood cells required for the immune system's optimum functioning. The symptoms include frequent colds, respiratory diseases, or even skin infections. Patients should seek medical intervention when necessary.

6. Bone Pain

Bone pain is also one of the common symptoms of blood cancer, such as leukemia and myeloma, because cancerous cells invade the bone marrow. The condition causes inflammation and pressure within the bones, with pain mainly in long bones such as legs, arms, and sometimes the back. The discomfort usually increases during increased activity or at night, prompting further medical assessment and evaluation.

7. Weight Loss

Unexplained and unintentional weight loss is also a symptom of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. The unexplained weight loss is due to imbalances in the metabolism due to cancer and increased energy use. This is one of the common symptoms of leukemia in adults. This can be associated with reduced appetite, a sense of nausea, and irritation of the body caused by the inflammation associated with the disease.

8. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swelling in the lymph nodes is a common symptom of blood cancers, specifically lymphoma and leukemia. Often, painless swollen nodes occur at the neck, armpits, or groin due to cancer cells invading the lymphatic system. Swelling from the immune reaction to these abnormal cells may not be noticed until they are visibly enlarged or tender. Persistent swelling in lymph nodes requires immediate medical investigation.

9. Shortness of Breath

The most frequent symptom of blood cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, is shortness of breath. It results from anemia. A lack of red blood cell production can cause the body’s oxygen levels to drop, thus causing shortness of breath. Lymphoma tumors may also compress the lungs and the airway, making breathing difficult.

10. Itchy Skin or Skin Rash

Itchy skin or a rash may be a blood cancer symptom on the skin, particularly lymphoma. Such itching can result from chemicals released by cancer cells or an immunological response to the malignancy. A new rash that appears without any apparent reason should be promptly evaluated.

What are the Causes of Blood Cancer?

Various factors increase the risk of blood cancer. The following are some of the possible reasons for blood cancer:

What Causes Leukemia Cancer?

The causes of leukemia cancer are not exactly known. However, some risk factors may increase susceptibility. Genetic predispositions play an essential role; individuals afflicted with particular hereditary disorders, for example, Down syndrome, are at a higher risk. Additionally, exposure to harmful radiation and hazardous chemicals, e.g., benzene and some chemotherapy drugs, may also become the cause of blood cancer.

Age is another contributing factor, and older people have a relatively greater incidence. A weakened immune system due to a genetically inherited disease or a disease condition acquired later in life may also increase the risk of leukemia.

What Causes Lymphoma Cancer?

The exact cause of lymphoma development remains unknown. However, many factors can increase its risk. There is also a familial predisposition, and a history of lymphoma among family members increases the individual's chance of developing lymphoma.

Some chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, have been identified as risk factors for lymphoma.

A history of radiation therapy can also increase one’s lymphoma risk. Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr and HIV, are highly associated with particular types of lymphomas.

In addition, a compromised immune system, which can result either from congenital disabilities or autoimmune disorders, increases lymphoma risk. Moreover, age and gender also impact the risk of lymphoma. It is more common in older people and males.

What Causes Myeloma Cancer?

The definitive causes of multiple myeloma are unknown, but certain risk factors exist. The most common risk factor is a family history of myeloma or another blood disorder.

Exposure to chemicals such as benzene and pesticides and previous radiation therapy for other cancers are believed to predispose patients to myeloma. Another cause would be chronic inflammation, as seen in autoimmune diseases.

Individuals over 65 years and men are more likely to develop myeloma.

When to See an Oncologist?

It is important to see an oncologist if you have recurring lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma cancer symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, unusual bleeding or bruising, swollen lymph nodes, or significant weight loss. You should also see an oncologist if you have a family history of blood cancers or are exposed to chemicals or radiation.

The oncologist will perform the proper assessment and evaluation to provide appropriate treatment. Therefore, timely intervention would lead to optimum outcomes in such cases.

Conclusion

Blood cancer is mainly prevalent among adults above 60 years, children, and individuals with predisposing factors, such as family history, chemical exposure, or immunodeficiency.

Common lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia cancer symptoms include weakness and fatigue, fever and night sweating, unusual bleeding, infections, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, breathlessness, and itchy skin. Both pediatric and adult patients experience similar symptoms. The causes of blood cancer remain unknown. However, certain risk factors for blood cancer have been identified. Learning about different risk factors and adopting certain blood cancer prevention measures can help one reduce their blood cancer risk.

That said, early diagnosis and timely treatment are found to improve the overall clinical outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does blood cancer cause body pain?

Yes, blood cancer can cause body pain. It mainly results from the growth of cancerous cells within the bone marrow, which causes inflammation and increases pressure on the bones, resulting in aching or pain in various body parts for prolonged periods.

Blood cancer can cause skin issues, such as scratching or itchy skin rashes. Such reactions might result from the body's cells reacting to cancer or treatment. Dry skin, discoloration, or lesions, although minor symptoms of illness, need to be taken seriously and examined by a physician.

Blood cancer grows through uncontrolled division and proliferation of blood cells. These cancerous cells result in reduced production of normal cells and cause symptoms of blood cancer such as anemia, infection, and bleeding disorders.

Blood cancer can be dangerous and life-threatening. It tends to interfere with the normal production of blood cells, weakening the immune system and leading to infections or possible bleeding. Early detection and treatment may improve survival rates and outcomes.

Some blood cancer types, such as acute leukemia and aggressive lymphomas, can spread rapidly. Rapid growth and multiplication of cancer cells allow them to infiltrate the bone marrow and lymphatic system easily.

Common symptoms of blood cancer among women include feeling tired, unexplained weight loss, recurrent infections, increased bleeding or bruising tendencies, swelling of the lymph nodes, and aching bones. Women can also develop night sweats and itchy skin