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Blood Cancer Types: Know the Symptoms and Warning Signs

Blood Cancer Types | CARTI Cancer Center

In addition to having their own unique risk factors, the three main blood cancer types also have their own specific warning signs that people should be aware of. While symptoms for each blood cancer may vary depending on the specific type and stage of the disease, the common warning signs include:

  • Leukemia 
    • 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
  • Lymphoma
    • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
    • Persistent fatigue
    • Fever
    • Night sweats
    • Shortness of breath
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Itchy skin
  • Myeloma
    • 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

If you have persistent signs of any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. 

CARTI’s team of medical oncologists treat all forms of adult blood cancers, including the above blood cancer types. For more on this specialty, click here

If you have a family history of any of the above blood cancers, or any other cancers, and would like to learn if you have a genetic predisposition for developing cancer, please contact our Cancer Genetics and Risk Management Clinic. Our team of multidisciplinary specialists provide patients with genetic testing, counseling, monitoring and screenings.