What Are Lymphoma & Haematologic Malignancies? Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
A haematologic malignancy, commonly known as a blood cancer, is a cancer that begins in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in cells of the immune system. Blood cancers include lymphoma, leukaemia and multiple myeloma, each with different types and subtypes.
Not all blood cancers are rare, but some individual types and subtypes are. Identifying the specific type and subtype is important because blood cancers can behave differently and may require different treatment approaches.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in cells of the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes many different subtypes, which can behave and respond to treatment differently. Identifying the specific type is therefore important when planning treatment.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer and may include swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, frequent infections, or easy bruising or bleeding. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer.
The tests used to diagnose a blood cancer depend on the condition suspected and may include blood tests, imaging, a lymph node or tissue biopsy, and bone marrow tests. Further laboratory testing may be used to identify the specific type or subtype and help guide treatment planning.