What are the symptoms of blood cancer?

Blood cancer, also known as leukemia, is a malignant blood disease that originates in the bone marrow. When leukemia cells proliferate abnormally in the bone marrow and inhibit normal hematopoietic function, patients will experience a series of symptoms. These symptoms may be subtle at first, but become more apparent as the condition progresses. Next, let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of blood cancer.

1. The first signs of blood cancer

In the early stages of blood cancer, patients may only exhibit non-specific symptoms that can be easily overlooked or confused with other common illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and recognize these symptoms promptly.

1. Fatigue and weakness: Patients often feel unexplained fatigue and weakness, which is difficult to relieve even with adequate rest. This is because leukemia cells interfere with normal hematopoietic function, resulting in a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity.

2. Fever and infection: Patients are prone to unexplained fever, which may recur. At the same time, due to abnormal white blood cell function, patients’ immunity is reduced and they are prone to infection with various pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.

3. Bleeding tendency: Patients may experience abnormal bleeding phenomena such as gum bleeding, nose bleeding, and skin ecchymosis. This is due to a decrease in the number or abnormal function of platelets, which reduces the blood’s clotting ability.

2. Manifestations in the development of blood cancer

As blood cancer progresses, patients may develop more pronounced symptoms, which may involve multiple systems and organs.

1. Bone pain: Leukemia cells proliferate in the bone marrow, which may cause bone pain, especially in the sternum, limb bones and spine. This pain is usually constant or worsens intermittently.

2. Swelling of lymph nodes: Leukemia cells may invade lymph nodes, causing painless swelling of lymph nodes. These enlarged lymph nodes are usually hard in texture and have a smooth surface that can be pushed around.

3. Hepatosplenomegaly: Due to the infiltration of leukemia cells, the patient’s liver and spleen may become enlarged. This swelling is noticeable on palpation and may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort or bloating.

4. Nervous system symptoms: Some patients with blood cancer may develop neurological symptoms, such as headache, vomiting, blurred vision, etc. These symptoms may be related to leukemia cells invading the central nervous system.

5. Worsening of anemia: As the disease progresses, the patient’s anemia symptoms may gradually worsen. Symptoms include pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath. In severe cases, supportive treatment with blood transfusions may be required.

6. Elevated white blood cells: During the progression of blood cancer, a patient’s white blood cell count may increase significantly. This increase is not caused by a normal immune response, but by abnormal proliferation of leukemia cells. Therefore, the immune status of a patient cannot be judged simply by the white blood cell count.

Understanding the symptoms of blood cancer is important for early detection and treatment. Once the above symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for detailed examination in order to make a clear diagnosis and formulate a corresponding treatment plan. At the same time, maintaining good living habits and mentality, and actively cooperating with doctors’ treatment suggestions are also the keys to defeating blood cancer.