What are the symptoms of hematologic cancers?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Hematologic cancers may cause a number of symptoms. Several of the most common are weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, frequent infections, enlarged lymph nodes, distended or painful abdomen (due to enlarged abdominal organs), bone or joint pain, fractures, unplanned weight loss, poor appetite, night sweats, persistent mild fever, and decreased urination (due to impaired kidney function). Certain symptoms are more likely to occur with some cancers than others. For example, bone pain is more frequently found in myeloma, and enlarged lymph nodes are most common with lymphoma. The specific effects of the enlarged lymph nodes depend on the location and size of these nodes.

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Hematologic/Blood Cancers

Caused when our bone marrow makes too many blood cells, cancers of the blood lead to anemia, frequent infections and excessive bleeding. Common types of blood cancer, also called hematologic cancer, are leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. These three cancers form when abnormal white blood cells crowd out the healthy ones that are responsible for fighting infections. Other myeloma disorders cause too many red blood cells and excessive platelets to be produced. When this happens, we become more susceptible to abnormal blood clotting or excessive bleeding. Although the exact cause of blood cancers are unknown, your risk increases as you get older and if you are exposed to excessive radiation or certain chemicals. You are also more vulnerable to these diseases if you are a male. See your doctor if you have fever and night sweats, pain in your stomach, or swollen lymph nodes.

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