Blood Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Stages & Treatment Options

Introduction

Did you know that leukaemia (a type of blood cancer) is the most common cancer diagnosed in children? It accounts for approximately 30.8% of all cancer cases in this age group¹. 

Blood cancer, also referred to as haematological cancer is defined as cancer originating in the blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system^1,2. Common types of blood cancer include leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow, characterised by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal or immature white blood cells), lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), myeloma (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and rare types of blood cancers such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)^3,4. 

Early recognition of symptoms and diagnosis can help to improve your treatment outcomes and increase your chances of long-term survival⁵. 

What Are the Types of Blood Cancer?

Blood cancers can be classified into different types depending on the cells of the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system affected. The blood cancer types include: 

1. Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a cancer that affects your blood cells. It begins in the bone marrow and affects the white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In this condition, your bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal cells, especially white blood cells. Leukaemia can be classified into four types – acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Broadly, based on how quickly it develops, leukaemias can be classified into two types⁶: 

• Acute leukaemia: This type of leukaemia develops and progresses rapidly. Hence, prompt treatment is needed. 
• Chronic leukaemia: This type of leukaemia progresses slowly and the individual’s condition worsens over a longer period of time, if not treated. 

Based on the type of cells affected, leukaemia blood cancer types include⁶: 

• Myeloid leukaemia: The myeloid cells (immature cells that develop into granulocytes, monocytes, red blood cells or platelets) are affected. 
• Lymphoid leukaemia: Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are affected. 

2. Lymphoma

Lymphomas are cancers of the immune system that account for approximately 5% of all cancers. Lymphomas occur due to the abnormal growth and multiplication of lymphocytes at different stages of their maturation. Lymphomas can be classified as Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas⁷. 

• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Defined by the presence of abnormal cells known as Reed Sternberg cells. In most cases, no causative agent has been detected, however, studies have shown many a link between Epstein Barr Virus and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (especially mixed cellularity subset and in immunosuppressed individuals). 
• Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: This is a heterogeneous group with several subtypes where there are no Reed Sternberg cells present. Each of these subtypes differ greatly in prognosis and treatment.  

3. Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that causes the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in your bone marrow. These plasma cells are responsible for forming some of the proteins found in your blood. If not treated, the cancer can damage organs such as bones, kidneys, blood (anaemia), and immune system in your body. This can be summarised by CRAB criteria (high calcium levels [hypercalcaemia], renal [kidney] problems, anaemia [low red blood cell count], and bone pain)⁸.  

Rare Types of Blood Cancer

These include: 

• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): This is a condition where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy blood cells. Often seen in older adults (above 65 years of age), this condition can cause symptoms like fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. In some cases, MDS can progress to AML⁹. 
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): Stem cells in the bone marrow can potentially develop into many types of blood cells. Sometimes, the body overproduces certain cells, causing disorders like MPNs. The four classical types of MPNs include essential thrombocythemia, CML, primary myelofibrosis, and polycythemia vera (PV)¹⁰. 

Early Signs & Blood Cancer Symptoms

The early signs of blood cancer include¹¹: 

• A lump or swelling in the lymph tissues due to the abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, causing swollen lymph nodes. This can be commonly noticed in your armpit, neck, or groin region. 
• Profuse night sweats that can soak clothes and sheets. 
• Infections that are persistent, severe and recur frequently. 
• Fatigue or tiredness that does not improve after sleeping or resting. 

Blood cancer symptoms include¹¹:  

• Unexplained weight loss. 
• Unexplained bleeding and bruising. 
• Shortness of breath or breathlessness. 
• Persistent or recurrent fever. Some blood cancers, such as lymphomas, may present with low-grade fevers or intermittent fever referred to as B symptoms⁷. 
• Itchiness is more common in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and certain leukaemias. While rashes may appear in leukaemias, they are not a universal sign¹². 
• Pain in the bones, abdomen or joints. 

If you are facing any of these signs and symptoms, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor and seek prompt medical care. 

What Causes Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer is believed to be caused due to damage to the DNA of a single haematopoietic stem (blood-forming cell) or progenitor cell. While this is sometimes triggered by one key event, it may also develop gradually through several genetic changes over time. These abnormal cells multiply and eventually collect in the bone marrow, blood, or lymphatic system. This process interferes with the normal production and functioning of the normal healthy cells leading to anaemia, increased bleeding risk due to thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and an inability to fight infections¹. 

Although the exact causes of blood cancer remain unclear, many genetic and environmental risk factors are identified, which include^13,14: 

• Previous exposure to cancer treatments (chemotherapy) 
• Exposure to intense radiation 
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene 
• Family history of leukaemia 
• Exposure to certain viral infections, for example, Epstein Barr virus is linked to some lymphomas, while human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with adult T-cell leukaemia and certain subtypes of ALL^7,13,14. 
• Age and gender 
• Syndromes that have a genetic origin, such as Down syndrome and Fanconi syndrome. 

Understanding these risks is essential for the early detection of blood cancers. 

Is Blood Cancer Curable?

Although most blood cancers are not curable, some can be cured based on the stage and type of blood cancer¹⁵. 

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Children with ALL show high cure rates, though certain individuals may present with a high risk of relapse¹⁶. 
• Chronic myeloid leukaemia: Treatment of CML with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may help to keep the condition under control for many years and is associated with a high survival rate. Advances with modern TKIs have made it possible for some patients to reach a deep level of remission, making it possible to stop treatment while still staying in long-term remission without medication¹⁷. 
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Aggressive forms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be cured in more than 50% of cases with intensive chemotherapy. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma often responds well to R-CHOP (chemotherapy regimen), but cure rates depend on the type and the patient’s overall health. Although slower-growing forms of the lymphoma respond well to treatment, (especially in the early stages), advanced stages may relapse despite good long-term survival. Studies¹⁸ have shown that modern therapy has improved 5-year survival rates to over 60%. 
• Multiple myeloma: Although multiple myeloma is considered an incurable disease, treatment with high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell support ensures that 3-10% of individuals with multiple myeloma remain free of active disease for more than 10 years after treatment¹⁹. 

Your treatment outcomes can vary depending on the stage of the disease, your age, your health conditions, and the response of cancer to treatment. 

Blood Cancer Stages and Classification

Staging is incorporated to help in the classification based on how much cancer is present in your body. The blood cancer stages include²⁰: 

• Leukaemias: Leukaemias usually do not use a defined staging method and most leukaemias are classified based on the disease subtype, severity and its effect on your body. However, ALL and AML use risk stratification systems (grouping patients by their risk level). CML uses a staging system (Rai, Binet, and CLL-IPI systems). These systems provide the staging based on lymph node involvement, organ enlargement, anaemia, and platelet levels²⁰. 
• Lymphomas: Both Hodgkin and most Non-Hodgkin lymphomas use the Ann Arbor staging system. It describes how far the cancer has spread ranging from stage I (single node region) to stage IV (widespread organ involvement), with A indicating the absence or B indicating presence of symptoms like persistent fevers, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats^21,22. 
• Multiple myeloma: Uses the International Staging System (ISS), and the Revised ISS (R-ISS), which relies on blood levels of β2-microglobulin, albumin, serum lactate dehydrogenase and high-risk cytogenetics²³. 

Understanding staging and grading of blood cancers helps in the treatment planning and determining your prognosis. 

How Is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?

After a careful assessment of your symptoms, family history, and a physical examination, your doctor may suggest certain tests which will help in making an accurate diagnosis²⁴: 

• Blood Tests: These include: 
  • Complete blood count: This test helps to count the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your blood. 
  • Blood differential test: This test helps to check the amount of each type of white blood cell (lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) present in your blood²⁵. 
• Biopsy: This is a definitive method of diagnosing blood cancer. Your doctor may suggest bone marrow biopsy or lymph node biopsy to accurately diagnose the type of cancer you have: 
  • Lymph node biopsy: If you present with swollen lymph nodes, your doctor may remove a part of the affected lymph tissue for examination. This method can be used to diagnose certain lymphomas without marrow involvement²⁶. 
  • Bone marrow biopsy: Involves the removal of a sample of bone marrow to check for blood cancer. Can be used to diagnose many leukaemias and myelomas¹⁴. 
• Peripheral blood flow cytometry: This test can help diagnose certain leukaemias, such as CLL, if many cancer cells are present in the blood. 
• Tumour marker tests: These tests help to check and measure the substances that are produced by the body in response to cancer, for example, LDH can be used for lymphoma prognosis. These tests have a limited role in blood cancers⁷. 
• Imaging Tests: These tests are mainly done to assess the extent of your disease. They include: 
  • Nuclear scan: Uses a small amount of radioactive material or tracer to indicate how organs or tissues are functioning. 
  • PET-CT scan: Preferred imaging tool for lymphomas. It helps in the initial staging, assessing treatment response, and detecting potential recurrence²⁷.  
  • Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of organs and tissues without radiation. 
  • X-rays: Uses low-dose radiation to capture quick, simple images of bones and certain body structures. 
  • MRI: Rarely used. Uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images that are sometimes enhanced with a contrast agent, for example, in cases of central nervous system involvement or spinal cord compression. 
  • Bone scan: Rarely used. This is a nuclear scan that detects any abnormal bone changes. 
• Immunophenotyping: Mainly done on blood or bone marrow samples, this test uses antibodies to identify cells based on the antigens or markers that are present on its surface. This test can be used for the identification and staging of leukaemias, lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders. 
• Cytogenetic Analysis (Karyotyping, FISH): Helps to detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as translocations and deletions, that are crucial for diagnosis. It also guides risk stratification (understanding a person’s risk level) and influences treatment decisions, such as eligibility for targeted therapies²⁸. 
• Molecular Testing (e.g., PCR for BCR-ABL and JAK2): Identifies specific gene mutations that confirm the diagnosis and enable targeted therapy selection²⁹. 

There are many subtypes of blood cancers, each requiring different treatment. The correct identification can directly impact your prognosis, treatment choice, and expected outcomes. 

Blood Cancer Treatment Options

Blood cancer treatment depends on the type of blood cancer, its extent, and other factors such as the individual’s age and overall health. Treatment options typically include chemotherapy (medicine given through a vein to kill the cancer cells or slow their growth), radiation therapy (uses radiation to damage cancer cells to prevent their multiplication), targeted therapies (medications that are designed to act more specifically on cancer cells, though some may also affect healthy cells), immunotherapy (medications that boost your immunity so that your body can fight the cancer), and stem cell or bone marrow transplantation (involves placement of healthy stem cells after chemotherapy)¹⁴. 

• Leukemias (ALL, AML, CLL, CML) are often managed with combinations of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and sometimes bone marrow transplantation¹⁴. 
• Lymphomas frequently use chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy⁷. 
• Multiple myeloma is treated with targeted drugs, immunomodulators, and, in eligible patients, transplant⁸.  

Newer blood cancer treatments include CAR-T cell therapy (indicated for cancers such as ALL, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, advanced B cell malignancies and relapsed or refractory leukaemias), antibody–drug conjugates (such as Gemtuzumab ozogamicin for AML), and menin inhibitors (mainly used for AML subtypes with specific genetic abnormalities), offering better treatment results for patients with resistant or relapsed disease^30,31. 

Can Cancer Spread From One Person to Another Through Blood?

Blood cancer cannot be transmitted from one person to another. In other words, blood cancers are not contagious. They cannot spread by sharing needles, meals, or close contact. Even if cancer cells enter your body, your immune system recognises these cells and destroys them as you have a healthy immune system, although in rare cases, they can evade detection. Transmission of cancer is also unlikely because cancer cells are fragile and do not survive well outside the body^32,33. While blood contact and sharing needles can lead to an increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, cancer cannot be transmitted from one person to another in this way^32,34. 

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if your symptoms, such as unexplained fever, fatigue, night sweats, or swelling, persist for more than a few weeks. If routine tests show abnormal blood counts, or if you experience sudden weight loss, unexplained bleeding, or frequent infections, it is best to consult your doctor for prompt medical treatment^11,13. 

Conclusion

Blood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and rarer forms, each with distinct signs such as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and unexplained bleeding. Early detection allows timely initiation of appropriate treatment like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant, improving cancer control and survival. Always consult your doctor for accurate diagnosis and prompt medical care. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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