Early symptoms of blood cancer and common tests to diagnose it

 Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, encompasses a variety of cancers affecting blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. These cancers often share early symptoms that may appear vague or resemble other common illnesses, making early detection challenging. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Unexplained fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of blood cancer. This fatigue is often severe and does not improve with rest.

Frequent infections: Blood cancers weaken the immune system, leading to frequent infections. Patients may find themselves susceptible to recurrent colds, flu, or other infections that take longer than usual to recover from.

Unexplained bruising or bleeding: Easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or bleeding gums can be early signs of blood cancer. This happens due to a lack of platelets, the blood cells responsible for clotting.

Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin, can be a sign of lymphoma, one of the types of blood cancer.

Bone pain: Some blood cancers, particularly myeloma, cause pain in the bones, particularly in the back or ribs, as the cancer cells multiply within the bone marrow.

Paleness or anemia: Blood cancers often cause a significant decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. This may manifest as pale skin, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Fever and night sweats: Unexplained fevers and night sweats are also common early signs of blood cancer. These symptoms often come and go and may not be associated with an obvious infection.

Common diagnostic tests for Blood CancerWhen blood cancer is suspected, doctors will order several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Here are the most common diagnostic tests used:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is often the first test ordered when blood cancer is suspected. A CBC measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. Abnormal counts can indicate the presence of blood cancer.

Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy involves extracting a small sample of bone marrow, usually from the hip bone, to examine for the presence of cancerous cells. This test is crucial for diagnosing leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Flow Cytometry: This test analyzes the physical and chemical properties of cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow. It helps identify specific markers on the surface of cancer cells, aiding in diagnosis and classification.

Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans may be used to check for enlarged lymph nodes, tumors, or other signs of blood cancer in different parts of the body.

Cytogenetic Testing: This test examines the chromosomes of blood or bone marrow cells to identify genetic abnormalities that may indicate the presence of blood cancer.

Early diagnosis of blood cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms and undergoing appropriate tests.

 

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