Blood cancer, or hematologic cancer most often starts in the bone marrow, which is a substance found in the centre of the bones. It is characterised by an abnormal growth and uncontrollable division of blood cells in the bone marrow or blood-forming tissues. While the exact cause of blood cancer is unknown, certain genetic mutations, bone marrow disorders, environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or toxins, or a family history of blood cancer can increase an individual's risk.
In addition, when it comes to blood cancer, there are several types and a wide range of symptoms that can vary from person to person; some can even seem unusual and unrelated. Let’s understand more about it.
Also Read: Blood Cancer Awareness Month: Expert Explains Early Signs and Diagnosis
Common Types Of Blood Cancer
There are three main types of blood cancer, namely:
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow and affects the blood and blood-forming tissues. It leads to an overproduction of abnormal White Blood Cells (WBCs). Leukaemia is actually an umbrella term for various subtypes of the condition, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Lymphoma
Unlike leukaemia, lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system and affects lymphocytes, a type of WBC. There are two main categories of lymphoma, namely Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Multiple Myeloma
This type of cancer starts in plasma cells, which is a type of WBC that produces antibodies. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells collect in the bone marrow and interrupt the production of healthy blood cells.
Blood Cancer Prevalence
According to a study published in the Journal of Oncology, the total number of cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) from leukaemia was 6.4, 3.3 lakh, and 1.16 crore in 2019, respectively.
In India, about one lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer or leukaemia every year, and about 70,000 die from the disease. Reports suggest every 5 minutes, an Indian is diagnosed with blood cancer.
The key to stop the surge in the number of cases and death is early intervention and effective treatment. This starts from recognising both the common and uncommon symptoms and getting regular screenings, irrespective of whether you develop issues or not.
Dr Debopriyo Mondal, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, says, “A significant number of blood cancers when they are detected early and treated appropriately can be curable. These mainly include acute leukaemia and certain types of lymphomas.”
“On the other hand, chronic leukaemia and myeloma are controllable, but not considered curable,” he adds.
According to the doctor, young children and the adolescent population are generally more at risk of acute leukaemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and certain types of lymphoma like Hodgkin lymphoma.
On the other hand, the elderly are more at risk of myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and myeloma, he shares further.
Also Read: From Children To Adults: Signs & Symptoms Of Leukaemia According To Age
Common Symptoms Of Blood Cancer
Some of the common symptoms of blood cancer include:
- Unexplained fever
- Recurrent infections
- Unexplained bruises or bleedings
- Bone pain
- Swelling of certain body parts
- Swelling of lymph gland
- Anaemia
- Some of the rare signs of blood cancer include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Severe headaches
- Visual problems
- Severe abdominal pain
- New skin rashes that are growing rapidly
Why Blood Cancer Causes Bone And Skin Issues?
Dr Mondal explains, “Certain leukaemia can cause bone pain by expanding the bone marrow because the cancer cells rapidly proliferate inside the bone marrow. Certain other types of cancers like myeloma and lymphoma, can cause bone pain by directly destroying the bone which may cause lytic bone lesions or destructive bone lesions.”
“Skin issues can happen either from bleeding into the layers of skin which may be visible as rashes or bruises. Sometimes leukaemia directly involves the skin and that can manifest as reddish rashes or some other lesions,” he adds.
There are also certain leukaemias like peripheral T cell leukaemia, which primarily affects the skin, according to the doctor.
Bottomline
Apart from watching out for the symptoms, it is important to seek regular medical check-ups and screenings. Do not depend entirely on the symptoms as blood cancer can be asymptomatic during the early stages. Regular health screenings can help detect the disease on time and improve survival rates with proper treatment.