10 Dec, 2025
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10 Dec, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Abhishek Dudhatra, Director - Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.
Blood cancer forms in the blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow. It affects the production and function of various blood cells. The common types of blood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Blood cancer involves the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal blood cells that disrupt the function of normal cells, such as blood clotting, immune function, and oxygen transport, thereby presenting various signs and symptoms of blood cancer.
Blood cancer usually occurs when genetic mutations in blood cells cause them to multiply abnormally or interfere with their programmed mechanisms of death.
Blood cancers may be acute or chronic. Acute cancers are aggressive and require immediate intervention. Chronic cancers are slow-growing and generally require monitoring in the initial stages. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.
Blood cancers are classified by the type of bone marrow cells involved and the system affected. Some of the blood cancer types are:
Leukemia: Patients with leukemia have an uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. It may be chronic or acute, depending on its progression. The main types include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Lymphoma: It affects the lymphatic system, mainly the spleen, lymph nodes, and lymphocytes. The common lymphomas are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Myeloma: It affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Patients with myeloma have impaired antibody production and a weakened immune response.
Other Blood Cancers: Other types of blood cancers are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).
Although the exact cause of blood cancer is unknown, some factors have been found to increase the risk of its development. The following are the possible causes of blood cancer:
Genetic mutations: The primary cause of blood cancer is mutations in the DNA of blood cells. These mutations may be inherited or acquired.
Environmental factors: Exposure to industrial chemicals, such as benzene, high-dose radiation, and tobacco smoke, also contributes to blood cancer development.
Previous cancer treatments: Patients with a history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy have an elevated chance of blood cancer later in their lives.
Age and gender: Blood cancer risk increases with age. Males are at higher risk than females.
Genetic conditions: Inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, etc., increase blood cancer risk.
Family history: Individuals with close relatives with blood cancer may have a slightly elevated risk of developing blood cancer.
Other factors: Other factors that enhance blood cancer risk are exposure to toxic substances, certain viral infections, and a weak immune system.
Ever wondered, “What are the signs of blood cancer?”
Well, patients with blood cancer present several signs and symptoms, and detecting these symptoms at an early stage improves the treatment outcomes. Common signs and symptoms of blood cancer are:
While the core signs and symptoms of blood cancer across different skin tones remain constant, their detection and impact vary.
Differences in symptom variability: Some blood cancer symptoms, such as skin discoloration and bruising, are difficult to detect in patients with darker skin tones compared with those with lighter skin tones. This is because symptoms like pallor, redness, and petechiae may not be as visually apparent in this population.
It may result in delayed recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.
Further, bruises in patients with darker skin tones appear as hyperpigmentation rather than bleeding under the skin.
Pallor is the most common sign of anemia in patients with leukemia. In contrast to its easy detection in patients with light skin tones, it is subtle in patients with darker skin tones and is often seen on the inner eyelids, nail beds, and lips.
Rashes related to leukemia or lymphoma may also appear differently across skin tones. Unlike the rashes, which appear as redness in patients with fair skin tones, they appear as brown, violet, or grey discoloration.
Variations in disease presentation: Various studies support the fact that blood cancer subtypes present differently across various racial groups. This variation is due to different genetic and biological factors.
For instance, Black patients with CLL have lower hemoglobin levels and more aggressive disease markers compared with White patients. These biological differences determine symptom severity and disease progression.
Understanding the different signs of blood cancer and seeking timely interventions are crucial for effective blood cancer management.
If you have any persistent symptoms or unexplained symptoms linked to blood cancer, immediately consult a doctor. You should never ignore the common blood cancer symptoms, such as prolonged fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and unintended weight loss, especially if they persist for over 2 weeks with no signs of improvement.
It is important to seek medical advice even if the symptoms are mild or are attributed to a common illness. Note the symptoms, severity, duration, and progression to provide appropriate information during your clinical visit.
If your symptoms suddenly worsen or you experience severe signs, such as severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or neurological symptoms, seek emergency care. Having one or more symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have blood cancer. However, timely evaluation helps rule out serious disease or initiate early treatment if required.
Blood cancers present with common physical signs. Detecting these signs early leads to timely diagnosis and treatment. Common observed physical signs of blood cancer include:
Acute blood cancer, such as AML or ALL, progresses rapidly and presents with several signs and symptoms of blood cancer. Common symptoms are severe fatigue and weakness, fever and chills, bleeding gums, and unexplained bruising.
Bone and joint pain, caused by cancer cell accumulation in the bone marrow, is frequent and severe and may disrupt daily life. Lymph node swelling and liver and spleen enlargement cause discomfort.
In rare cases, high white blood cell counts can cause leukostasis (blood vessel blockage) and neurological symptoms, such as confusion, headache, weakness, or difficulty breathing. These patients require immediate medical intervention.
Other signs of acute blood cancer are unexplained loss of appetite, night sweats, and weight loss. These symptoms are acute and may distinguish between the rapidly progressing disease and chronic blood cancer and require urgent medical evaluation.
Blood cancer starts in the bone marrow. It leads to uncontrolled growth and development of abnormal blood cells.
Common blood cancer types include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Individuals with a history of previous cancer therapies, those exposed to toxic chemicals, those with compromised immunity, and those suffering from various inherited conditions, such as Down syndrome or Fanconi anemia, are at increased risk of developing blood cancer.
Some of the signs of blood cancer that people usually ignore are persistent tiredness and weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, easy bleeding and bruising, frequent infection, and bone and joint pain. Early medical evaluation of symptoms helps with early diagnosis and treatment, which significantly affects overall outcomes.
Dr. Abhishek Dudhatra
Director - Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant
MBBS, MD (Medicine), DNB (Haematology), Fellowship – BMT (NUH, Singapore)
Dr. Abhishek Dudhatra is a seasoned hematology and BMT specialist who can be consulted at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, a well-known hospital for cancer treatment in Ahmedabad. His core areas of expertise include hematology, hemato-oncology, and bone marrow transplantation. He has vast experience in treating malignant and non-malignant blood disorders through personalized treatment approaches, including autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants.
Appointment Link: Book an Appointment with Dr. Abhishek Dudhatra.
