Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma are the top 3 blood cancers that affect the production and function of your blood cells. Most of these cancers start in the bone marrow where the white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are interrupted by an uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. What are the differences between leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma?
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This is the name for a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, the two main types are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The characteristics of this type of cancer include the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large cancerous cells, found in Hodgkin lymphoma tissues. Fortunately, Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Symptoms can include:
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss — as much as 10 percent or more of your body weight
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
Leukemia
This is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, which include the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells, which fight against infection. People with leukemia produce abnormal white blood cells in their bone marrow, which prevents them from working properly. Symptoms can include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent fatigue, weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Losing weight without trying
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
Myeloma
Multiple myeloma cancer forms in a type of white blood cell called plasma cells; these help you fight infections by making antibodies that protect you from germs. With this, cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow where they overtake healthy blood cells. Symptoms can include:
- Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Mental fogginess or confusion
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
- Weakness or numbness in your legs
- Excessive thirst
It’s important to never self-medicate or diagnose. The only way to know if you have blood cancer is to visit your doctor. Do not self-medicate or self-diagnose because that will just add unnecessary worry. Please visit your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, the sooner you are diagnosed the better the outcome.