Blood Cancer Symptoms: When to See a Doctor

Common symptoms of blood cancer

Blood cancer symptoms can often mimic or imitate common illnesses; that’s why they are often dismissed or misdiagnosed. 

Here are key symptoms to look out for:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness: If you are experiencing continuous fatigue and weakness in its early stages, then it could be a sign of blood cancer. This type of fatigue is not relieved by rest and may get worse over time. It can happen due to anemia or the body's energy being consumed by cancer cells.
• Frequent infections: Many studies suggest that blood cancers used to weaken the immune system, which makes it more vulnerable to infections, especially respiratory infections such as pneumonia and sinusitis, that might take longer to heal.
• Swollen lymph nodes: If you are experiencing painless swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin, it could indicate lymphoma. These lumps are usually soft and often feel rubbery and might gradually increase in size. 
• Unexplained weight loss: If you are losing weight without making any changes in your diet or activity levels, then it could be a warning sign. Cancer cells consume a lot of energy when compared to normal healthy cells, which can lead to unintentional weight loss or rapid weight loss in people. 
• Easy bleeding and bruising: If you are experiencing frequent bleeding like bleeding gums and bruises from minor lumps, can indicate a low platelet count. It often happens due to leukemia or other blood cancers. 
• Bone or joint pain: Some types of leukemia and myeloma cause pain in the bones or joints due to cancerous cells accumulating in the bone marrow. 
• Fever and night sweats: If you are experiencing recurring fevers or night sweats(soaking bedclothes) , then they are common signs of lymphoma and leukemia. 
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty: People with low red blood cell counts (anemia) can reduce oxygen flow, causing breathlessness even with a light physical activity. 
• Abdominal pain: If you are experiencing abdominal pain, then it could be a sign of enlargement of organs such as the liver or spleen due to leukemia or lymphoma, which can cause bloating, pain, or a feeling of fullness even after eating small meals. 
• Skin changes or rashes: If you are experiencing skin changes such as tiny red spots (petechiae), pale skin, or rashes, it might occur due to low blood counts or internal bleeding.

When to consult a doctor?

If you are experiencing two or more of the above symptoms continuously, or if a symptom gets worse without any clear reason, then it's crucial to consult a doctor.

However, if you are experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, then it doesn’t mean you have cancer, but if you have risk factors like a family history of cancer along with two or more symptoms, then you should get an immediate specialist consultation.