Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, includes a group of cancers that originate in blood-forming tissues. These cancers interfere with the normal function of blood cells, impacting the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and stop bleeding. Early symptoms often mimic common illnesses, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

There are three major types of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Each affects different types of blood cells, and symptoms can either develop slowly or appear suddenly, depending on the cancer's form and progression.

Main Types

Blood cancers are categorized into three primary types, each involving a specific kind of blood cell or tissue:

Leukemia
This cancer begins in the bone marrow and causes the body to produce abnormal white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy ones, affecting red blood cell and platelet production, leading to anemia, bleeding, and poor immune response.

Lymphoma
Lymphoma targets the lymphatic system, a key part of the immune system. It develops in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps defend the body against infection. When cancerous, these cells accumulate in lymph nodes and other tissues, disrupting immunity.

Myeloma
Also called multiple myeloma, this cancer begins in plasma cells—white blood cells responsible for creating antibodies. Myeloma cells disrupt the balance of healthy blood cells and can cause bone damage, kidney issues, and immune system dysfunction.

Shared Warning Signs

Though each type of blood cancer behaves differently, many signs overlap. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent fatigue or weakness

  • Frequent infections

  • Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding

  • Recurrent or unexplained fevers

  • Night sweats that disrupt sleep

  • Significant and unintentional weight loss

These symptoms result from interference with healthy blood cell production and immune function, making the body more vulnerable to illness and complications.

Leukemia Symptoms

Leukemia is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute leukemia progresses rapidly, while chronic leukemia may develop over years. Both types affect white blood cells, but symptoms vary in intensity and onset.

Acute leukemia

Symptoms of acute leukemia can escalate quickly:

  • Sudden fatigue

  • High frequency of infections

  • Nosebleeds or bleeding gums

  • Petechiae (tiny red skin spots)

  • Loss of appetite

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

  • Fever and chills

  • Night sweats

  • Unusual menstrual bleeding

  • Abdominal discomfort or a sense of fullness

Chronic leukemia

Chronic leukemia may not cause symptoms early on. As it advances, signs may include:

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Mild fever or low-grade infections

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Anemia-related shortness of breath

  • Frequent infections of the skin, lungs, or urinary tract

  • Spleen enlargement causing abdominal pressure

Lymphoma Symptoms

Lymphoma begins in lymphatic tissue and is divided into two primary types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma

This form often starts with painless swelling in lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Additional signs may include:

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Cough or chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Itching, especially after bathing

  • Pain in lymph nodes after alcohol consumption

Some symptoms are classified as “B symptoms,” which may indicate disease stage:

  • Night sweats

  • Unexplained weight loss (more than 10% over six months)

  • Recurrent fevers

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

This more common form can appear anywhere lymphatic tissue exists. Common symptoms include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Cough, shortness of breath

  • Chest discomfort

  • Abdominal pain or swelling

  • Loss of appetite or early fullness

  • Skin rashes or lumps

  • Unexplained fever or night sweats

Myeloma Symptoms

Multiple myeloma weakens the immune system and can severely affect bone and kidney health. Signs often appear gradually but may worsen over time.

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent bone pain, especially in the back or hips

  • Bone fractures after minor trauma

  • Recurrent infections, particularly respiratory

  • Fatigue and general weakness

  • Bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, or bruising

  • Numbness or leg weakness

  • Cloudy or blurred vision

In some cases, high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) can occur, leading to:

  • Increased thirst and urination

  • Dehydration

  • Nausea or constipation

  • Abdominal pain

  • Mental confusion or sleepiness

When kidney function declines, symptoms may include:

  • Muscle cramps

  • Itchy skin

  • Shortness of breath

  • Swelling in feet or legs

  • Loss of appetite or nausea

Symptoms in Children

While blood cancer is less common in children, it still accounts for a significant portion of pediatric cancer diagnoses. Leukemia and lymphoma are most frequent, with myeloma being rare in younger individuals.

Childhood leukemia signs may include:

  • Unusual fatigue or weakness

  • Pale complexion

  • Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding

  • Frequent infections

  • Bone or joint pain

  • Fever without an obvious cause

  • Swollen abdomen

  • Poor appetite or weight loss

Childhood lymphoma symptoms may include:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, chest, groin)

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Itchy skin

  • Night sweats or persistent fever

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Chronic cough or breathing difficulty

When to Seek Help

Because early symptoms can resemble less serious conditions, blood cancers often go unnoticed until they are more advanced. Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • Your symptoms persist or worsen

  • You notice new or unusual bleeding or bruising

  • You have unexplained weight loss or prolonged fevers

  • You experience night sweats or ongoing fatigue

Timely evaluation can lead to early diagnosis, which typically improves treatment success rates.

A Quick Review

Blood cancer includes three main types—leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma—each affecting different blood components. While symptoms vary, common signs like fatigue, frequent infections, unusual bleeding, and weight loss should never be ignored.

Prompt medical attention and early diagnosis are key to effective treatment. Many people diagnosed with blood cancer go on to live long, healthy lives after therapy and follow-up care.