Blood cancer causes the abnormal production and function of your blood cells. Although it depends on the type, most of these cancers will develop in your bone marrow, where blood is produced. Because production and function is impaired, your blood cannot perform normally when it comes to fighting infection or preventing severe bleeding. Here is a look at the three most common types of blood cancer.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer located in your blood and bone marrow that is caused by an increased production of abnormal white blood cells. Due to the high amount of white blood cells, your ability to fight infection is impaired and your bone marrow is unable to produce red blood cells and platelets.
There is more than one type of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Symptoms may not be present for all types, especially if your cancer is slow-growing. Rapidly growing types, however, are more likely to cause unpleasant symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, bleeding or easy bruising, pain in the bones or joints, and weakness.
Treatment depends on the type of leukemia you have. If the leukemia is slow-growing, your doctor may suggest careful monitoring—postponing treatment for a later time if and when the cancer begins to grow rapidly. If it is aggressive, however, treatment will involve immediate chemotherapy. In some cases, radiation and a stem cell transplant will follow as well. Stem cell transplants involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from you or from a donor.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for immune function. The lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow are all part of your lymphatic system. Lymphoma is caused by the cancerous lymphoma cells multiplying and collecting in your lymph nodes and other tissues. Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s are the two main types of lymphoma.
Possible symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss due to a decreased appetite.
Treatment often involves chemotherapy, medication, and radiation. Although rare, a stem cell transplant may be used to treat lymphoma as well.
Myeloma
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects your plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make disease-fighting antibodies. The normal production of antibodies are prevented by myeloma cells, resulting in a weakened immune system that is vulnerable to infection. In addition to the immune system, myeloma can also damage the bones, kidneys, and red blood cells.
In some cases, patients with myeloma may show no signs of the disease. If symptoms do occur, they can include loss of appetite, bone pain, and fever.
This type of blood cancer is treated with medications, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation, or a stem cell transplant.
