Signs and Symptoms
Blood cancers and related conditions may present with a wide range of symptoms. Some develop gradually, while others may appear suddenly. Recognizing these warning signs early can help with prompt diagnosis and timely treatment. Since many symptoms can overlap with common illnesses, medical evaluation is always necessary.
Leukaemia
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
- Frequent or severe infections.
- Easy bruising or unexplained bleeding.
- Swollen lymph nodes, spleen, or liver.
- Fever, chills, or night sweats.
Lymphoma
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever and drenching night sweats.
- Persistent cough or chest discomfort (if chest nodes are enlarged).
- Itching without obvious cause.
Myeloma
- Bone pain, especially in back or ribs.
- Frequent infections.
- Fatigue and anemia.
- Kidney problems (high calcium, abnormal blood tests).
- Unexplained fractures or bone weakness.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- Unexplained anemia causing fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Frequent infections due to low white cells.
- Easy bruising or bleeding from low platelets.
- Pale skin and weakness.
- Symptoms may be mild at first and progress over time.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
- Headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision (from high blood counts).
- Enlarged spleen causing fullness or discomfort.
- Excessive bleeding or clotting episodes.
- Unexplained itching, especially after warm baths.
- General fatigue and night sweats.