How do you know if you have blood cancer?

As a hematologist, I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of blood-related disorders, including blood cancers. It's important to note that while symptoms can be indicative of a condition, they are not definitive proof of blood cancer. Here's how you might identify if you have blood cancer: 1. Unexplained weight loss: This could be due to various reasons, including malignancy. 2. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness without a clear cause can be a sign of many illnesses, including blood cancers like leukemia. 3. Feeling weak or breathless: Anemia, which can be a result of blood cancer, may cause these symptoms. 4. Easily bruise or bleed: This could indicate a problem with blood clotting, which can be related to blood cancers. 5. Enlarged lymph nodes: Swollen glands can be a sign of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. 6. Swollen stomach or abdominal discomfort: This might suggest internal organ involvement, which can occur with certain blood cancers. 7. Frequent and repeated infections: A weakened immune system, possibly due to blood cancer, can make one more susceptible to infections. 8. Fever/night sweats: These can be signs of an underlying infection or inflammation, which could be related to a cancerous process. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may perform a physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and order specific tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), blood smear, bone marrow aspiration or biopsy, and other imaging studies to diagnose or rule out blood cancer.

The common symptoms of blood cancers can include:Unexplained weight loss.Fatigue.Feeling weak or breathless.Easily bruise or bleed.Enlarged lymph nodes.Swollen stomach or abdominal discomfort.Frequent and repeated infections.Fever/night sweats.More items...