Blood Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
People who have blood cancers — like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma — value the advanced diagnostics that UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers.
These include five distinct disease types:
Leukemia.
Lymphoma.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Myeloproliferative disorder (MPD).
Multiple myeloma.
What these diseases have in common is that most start in the bone marrow. This soft, spongy tissue found inside most bones is where blood cells form.
Blood Cancer Symptoms
While each type of blood cancer is different, they can share some common symptoms and signs.
Some people with blood cancer may not have any symptoms until the disease has advanced. Or they may also mistake the symptoms for a severe cold or flu.
Some common blood cancer symptoms include:
Coughing or chest pain. Possible cause is a buildup of abnormal blood cells in your spleen.
Frequent infections. Possible cause is not enough white blood cells to fight off routine pathogens.
Fever or chills. Possible cause is not enough white blood cells, leading to more frequent infections.
Unexplained rash, bruising, or bleeding. Possible cause is not enough platelets, which are the cells that help the blood to clot.
Itchy skin. Possible causes remain unknown.
Loss of appetite or nausea. Possible cause is a buildup of abnormal blood cells in your spleen so that it presses on your stomach.
Night sweats. Possible causes remain unknown.
Persistent weakness and fatigue. Possible cause is not enough red blood cells (anemia).
Shortness of breath. Possible cause is anemia.
Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. Possible cause is a build-up of abnormal white blood cells in your lymph glands.
When to See a Doctor
Since many early cancer symptoms are not very specific, it can be hard to know when you should feel worried. But early diagnosis can lead to earlier, more effective treatment, so don't delay.
You should see your doctor if any blood cancer symptoms last more than a couple weeks without improving.
Some people worry about “bothering" their doctor if they do have just a cold or flu. But your doctor would much rather see you promptly to make that diagnosis.
Blood Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
Your blood cancer care team will conduct tests to classify the type and stage of your blood cancer.
Diagnosis and staging often happen at the same time.
Tests to diagnose blood cancer
Tests and procedures to diagnose blood cancers may include:
Blood tests.
Bone marrow tests.
Imaging tests — CT scan, PET scan, and X-ray.
Physical exam.
Surgical lymph node removal (to use in staging).
Stages of blood Cancer
Stage 1 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and enlarged lymph nodes
Stage 2 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and is anemic. He or she may also have enlarged lymph nodes.
Stage 3 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and is anemic.
Stage 4 - is the last stage with the highest risk ratio. The rate of blood platelets starts falling rapidly. The cancerous cells start affecting the lungs including the other organs which already started getting affected in the earlier stages. Anaemia, in this stage, is more likely to be acute.
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