12 Signs of Blood Cancer that You Shouldn’t Ignore

Overview

Studies suggest that India ranks 3rd highest in reported cases of blood cancer. These rising cases of blood cancer have become a serious concern for India. And to address such concerns, we should be aware of blood cancer symptoms. These symptoms may vary based on the types of blood cancer or on other blood disorders. They usually come on so slowly that you might not even notice them. However, there are a few symptoms that you can easily look for. Here we’ve discussed a few signs of Blood cancer .

Signs of Blood Cancer

1. Unexplained weight loss: Cancer cells and the body's response to them can alter metabolism and cause muscle and fat loss. You might experience weight loss that appears unusual based on your current diet and exercise routine.

2. Swelling or lumps: You might experience abnormal swelling in your armpit, neck, or groin region. These are painless masses, although some people may feel an ache. Sometimes you may feel breathlessness or discomfort due to the presence of lumps inside your body cavity. As per our expert oncologists, these swellings are seen due to abnormal white blood cells(WBC) building up in your lymph nodes.

3. Shortness of breath: Have you ever felt breathless after heavy work? Feeling breathless after vigorous physical activity is normal. However, if you’re feeling so even while you’re resting and a rapid or erratic heartbeat should be a matter of concern. A lower level of red blood cells causes anemia, and breathlessness might be a symptom of the same.\

4. Unexplained bruising and bleeding: You may experience nose or gum bleeding, prolonged bleeding from a cut, heavy periods, or blood in your urine or feces. In extremely rare cases, a bleed into the brain can cause neurological symptoms. Petechiae are tiny, unraised red blood spots under the skin that usually begin on the legs. They may appear darker than the skin around them. Please note that some symptoms may appear different on different skin tones.

5. Night sweats: As per our blood cancer specialists, some people with lymphoma and leukemia may have drenching night sweats. However, we don’t have any reason to support such a symptom.

6. Repeated infection: You might experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or a sore throat frequently due to a lower level of white blood cells. You might even notice a mouth ulcer that doesn’t go away easily. If you find such symptoms, consult our doctors today.

7. Frequent bouts of fever: If you're experiencing frequent episodes of fever of 38 degrees Celsius or above, it should be a cause of concern for you. A lower level of white blood cells could be the reason for the same.

8. Itchy skin: A low platelet count can result in rashes. Some people with blood cancer experience itching, but we don't know what causes it. Small red spots on the skin (petechiae) or a purple rash may appear (purpura). When you press on petechiae and purpura, they do not fade. Itching caused by lymphoma can be excruciating. A burning sensation may also occur.

9. Pale complexion: An usual pale complexion(pallor) can be noticed easily. However, people with darker complexions may look grayish with pale palms.

10. Fatigue: If you get tired easily and it doesn’t go away with rest or sleep, plan a visit with your physician. This might happen due to anemia.

11. Blurry vision: Blurring of vision can happen in almost half of the people affected by AML(acute myeloid leukemia), a type of blood cancer. If you are experiencing such worrying eye symptoms, consult your doctor right away.

12. Bone or joint pain: Damage to your bones (bones and joints) and an increase in abnormal blood cells in your spleen (abdominal pain). Myeloma can cause pain in any major bone, including the back, ribs, and hips. You may feel full after only a small amount of food, have discomfort under your ribs on the left side, bloating or swelling, and, on rare occasions, pain.

When should you seek medical help?

Because many early cancer symptoms are vague, it can be difficult to know when you should be concerned. However, early detection can lead to earlier, more effective medical treatment, so don't put it off.

If any of your blood cancer symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks without improving, you should consult your doctor.

Some people are concerned about "bothering" their doctor if they only have a cold or flu. However, your doctor would prefer to see you as soon as possible to make the right diagnosis.

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