Understanding Blood Cancers: What You Should Know About Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma 

Blood cancers—also known as hematologic cancers—begin in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. Leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma are the three most common types of blood cancer. These cancers affect how your body creates and uses blood cells and make it harder for your body to fight infection, carry oxygen or stay healthy.

What Are the Different Types?

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow and blood. It starts with rapid production of abnormal white blood cells that don’t function properly. These cells take over healthy blood cells, making it hard for the body to fight infection, carry oxygen or control bleeding. Leukemia is categorized based on how fast it grows (acute, chronic) and where it develops (lymphocytic, myeloid).

The four major types are:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) – fast growing in lymph cells

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) – slow growing in lymph cells

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – fast growing in myeloid cells (blood cells or platelets)

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) – slow growing in myeloid cells (blood cells or platelets)

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system (part of the immune system). It causes white blood cells, called lymphocytes, to grow out of control. These cells then build up in parts of the body, like the lymph nodes or spleen.

There are two main types:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) – rare, easier to treat
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) – more common, comes in many forms

Multiple Myeloma

Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. Multiple myeloma starts when plasma cells become cancerous and crowd the bone marrow. This leads to weak or painful bones.

What Causes Blood Cancer?

Like many types of cancer, there is not a single thing known to cause blood cancer. However, there are some known risk factors.

• Age: Your risk goes up as you get older.
• Family history: If someone in your family had a blood cancer, your risk may be higher.
• Radiation or chemical exposure: This includes certain chemicals, like benzene, and high radiation levels from previous radiation therapy or industrial exposure to radioactive materials.
• Weakened immune system: If you have HIV or take strong immune-suppressing medicines, this can raise your risk.
• Genetic mutations: You can be born with certain gene mutations that make blood cancer more likely.

Signs and Symptoms

Since there are multiple forms of blood cancer, signs can be different for everyone. Some of the most common signs are:

• Ongoing tiredness and/or weakness
• Getting sick often/frequent infections
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits and/or groin)
• Bone pain
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems. However, if they don’t go away, it’s important to talk with your primary care doctor.

How Are Blood Cancers Diagnosed?

If it is suspected that you may have blood cancer, your doctor will usually start with a physical exam and blood tests. They can also order additional testing, like:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• Scans (CT, MRI, PET)
• Genetic testing

 Like other forms of cancer, early detection is very important when it comes to having the best treatment options and recovery odds.

How is Blood Cancer Treated?

Blood cancer can be treated several ways. It will likely depend on the type of blood cancer, how fast it is growing, if it has spread and your overall health.

• Chemotherapy: Chemo is usually the first treatment for many blood cancers, especially leukemia and lymphoma. It kills fast-growing cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: This is more commonly used for chronic myeloid leukemia, as well as some acute leukemias or lymphoma. It can be done at the same time or after chemo. Taken as a pill, these drugs work to kill off specific cancerous cells.
• Immunotherapy: Given via IV, these drugs boost your body’s immune system to fight the cancer cells
• Radiation: Radiation treatment uses energy to target and destroy tumors. Since blood cancers don’t form tumors, it isn’t commonly used to treat blood cancers unless the cancer is contained in one area of the body, like a swollen lymph node.
• Bone marrow transplant: The goal of bone marrow transplant is to replace damaged cells with healthy ones. It is only used as a last form of treatment if the blood cancer has been wiped out with chemo and has either damaged bone marrow or is likely to recur. You may be able to transplant your own bone marrow, but a bone marrow transplant often requires a donor.

Since every cancer diagnosis is unique, Bronson’s medical oncologist will work with you and a multidisciplinary care team to come up with the best course of treatment for your situation, lifestyle and goals.

Get Expert Care Close to Home

A blood cancer diagnosis can be scary, but with Bronson’s cancer experts, you are not alone. Many people live full lives after treatment. And when you choose to receive cancer treatment at Bronson, you can feel confident knowing you will receive more than just expert medical care. From support groups, art therapy and nutrition counseling, to financial navigation and social work, Bronson offers the support and positivity you and your loved ones need every step of the way. Learn more at bronsonhealth.com/cancer.