Blood cancer is a group of diseases that affect the production and function of blood cells in the body. The three primary types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. While many people are familiar with common symptoms of blood cancer, like frequent infections and unexplained loss of body mass, some uncommon signs can also be indicative of blood cancer. Let’s look at some signs that should prompt one to seek immediate medical help. What is blood cancer? There are three types of blood cells: red (RBCs), which carry oxygen to the body; white (WBCs), which fight off infections; and platelets, which help with blood clotting post injury. Any abnormal and excess production of these cells that affects their normal functioning is blood cancer. Leukemia often involves abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in a low platelet count. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphoid tissues. Multiple myeloma, on the other hand, affects a type of white blood cell called plasma, which is responsible for producing antibodies. Each cancer type is classified further based on several factors, including the part of the body where the cancer originates and the specific blood cells affected.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of cancer that forms in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells allow one to fight against infections by producing antibodies that attack any foreign substance entering the body. Multiple myeloma happens when cancerous plasma cells outnumber healthy blood cells in the body. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of multiple myeloma to remember for an early diagnosis and timely treatment. Causes When a person has cancer, plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and outnumber healthy blood cells. Instead of producing normal antibodies, these cancerous cells make abnormal proteins, which cause several health complications. In multiple myeloma cases, the body might or might not show symptoms. Since the disease often does not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, an early diagnosis is difficult. Sometimes, it gets accidentally detected during a routine blood test by showing an abnormal protein level. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma Some early warning signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma are listed below. Symptoms Nausea – When cancerous plasma cells cause bone damage, bones break down, and calcium enters the bloodstream. Excessive calcium levels can trigger nausea. Bone pain, mainly in the chest and spine, is a common symptom of MM, triggered by bone damage due to the myeloma cell growth in the bone marrow.

Leukemia is cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. While some forms of leukemia can be cured, others may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and prolong survival. Some symptoms of leukemia are obvious, such as fatigue and frequent infections, but there are also silent signs that may go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for leukemia. What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that affects the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which are known as leukemia cells. These leukemia cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to various health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. There are four main types of leukemia: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Silent signs of leukemia Bruising and bleeding Leukemia cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets responsible for clotting the blood. As a result, people with leukemia may experience bruising and bleeding, even from minor injuries.