Cancer More Cancer Types What Are Blood Cancers? By Elizabeth Pratt Elizabeth Pratt is a medical journalist based in Australia. She has a Master's degree in Health Communication and a Bachelor's degree in journalism. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Pratt Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD on January 29, 2021 Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Doru Paul, MD Published on January 29, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Leukemia Lymphoma Multiple Myeloma Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD) Blood cancers, also called hematologic cancers, occur when blood cells grow abnormally, interfering with how normal blood cells function. Types of blood cancer vary based on the cells they affect as well as their incidence, method of diagnosis, and their prognosis. There are three main types of blood cancer: Leukemia: Cancer in the white blood cells.Lymphoma: Cancer in the lymphatic system.Myeloma: Cancer in the plasma cells. KATERYNA KON / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Leukemia Leukemia is the most common cancer for people who are more than 55 years old and children who are younger than 15 years old. It occurs in the bone marrow when abnormal white blood cells are created too quickly and destroy normal blood cells. Types Acute leukemia occurs quickly and can become severe in only a short time, while chronic leukemia is slow-growing and will advance slowly. There are four common types of leukemia. Types are determined based on how quickly the disease progresses, and which white blood cells are impacted. AML Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of leukemia in adults. It is fast-growing and impacts the blood and bone marrow. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplants. ALL Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL) progresses rapidly and can affect the blood marrow throughout the body. It can spread to the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes. It is most common in children under 15 years old or adults over 45 years old. ALL accounts for the largest diagnosis of leukemia in children under 15 years old, but it is rare in adults. CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) usually impacts older adults and accounts for a third of all leukemia diagnoses. Its incidence being very close to that of AML. Some forms of CLL begin slowly and symptoms may not be obvious for years, other forms of CLL grow quickly. HCL Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare form of CLL. It progresses slowly and most commonly occurs in middle-aged people or older people. HCL is a chronic disease. CML Just 10% of leukemias are Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It is more common in adults than in children and can change from a slow progression to rapid growth. Unlike other forms of leukemia, CML has been associated with an abnormal chromosome known as the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph chromosome). Eventually it can spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors Risk factors for leukemia include: SmokingAa family historyGenetic syndromes like Down SyndromeExposure to high doses of radiationHistory of chemotherapy or radiation therapy Prognosis Although there is no cure for leukemia, survival rates for leukemia have improved in recent years. Between 2010 and 2016 the five-year survival rate was 63.7%. Lymphoma Lymphoma is the result of abnormal white cells called lymphocytes multiplying rapidly and overwhelming the lymphatic system. What's the Difference Between Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ? The main diagnostic difference between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is seen in a biopsy. If Reed-Sternberg cells are present, then the patient has Hodgkin lymphoma. Types There are two main forms of lymphoma: Hodgkin: Typically affects those between the ages of 15 and 35 and accounts for less than 10% of lymphoma cases and is slow-growing.Non-Hodgkin: Typically affects those more than 60 years old and occurs in B cells. It is normally fast-growing. Risk Factors Those aged between 15 to 35 or over 55 are at increased risk for Hodgkin lymphoma, while those aged over 60 are at risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Those with a weakened immune system are at risk for lymphoma, as are those who have had viruses like HIV or Epstein-Barr. Prognosis The five-year survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma is 87%. The five-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 73%. Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in the plasma cells. Plasma cells help the immune system by making antibodies to attack germs. Symptoms are typically not seen until the cancer has advanced and spread throughout the body. Types Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a benign condition that puts patients at an increased risk for cancer. On average, every year, 1% of people with MGUS go on to develop multiple myeloma. Smoldering myeloma is a precancerous condition where half of those diagnosed will progress to multiple myeloma within five years. Risk Factors Men are more more likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma than women. African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma than Caucasians. Prognosis Although multiple myeloma is treatable, it is rarely curable. The five-year survival rate for myeloma is 52%. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow struggle to make new blood cells. This can impact different types of cells, but most commonly results in a shortage of red blood cells. There are different kinds of MDS that are categorized based on blood cells affected. In one in three patients, MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the past, the condition has been referred to as pre-leukemia. Types There are three different types of MDS: Refractory anemia occurs when there aren't enough red blood cells.Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia occurs when there aren’t enough of at least two kinds of blood cells. This may progress to AML.Unclassified MDS occurs when there is a shortage of one type of blood cell. Risk factors Risk factors include: People aged over 60 are at higher riskMen are more likely to be diagnosed with MDS than womenSmoking increases riskChemotherapy for other forms of cancer can increase risk, and risk increases if chemo and radiation therapy are combined.Some genetic diseases Exposure to radiation or benzene Prognosis A stem cell transplant is the only potential cure for MDS. Survival rates vary based on type of MDS, progression to AML, and other risk factors. The average survival rate for lower-risk patients who do not receive a bone marrow transplant is five years, while the five-year survival for high-risk patients is five months. When to See a Doctor Any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. Symptoms of blood cancer may include:FeverChillsCoughingChest painLoss of appetiteRash or itchy skinNight sweatsWeakness or fatigue that persistsShortness of breathSwollen or painful lymph nodes Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD) Myeloproliferative disorder (MPD), also referred to as myeloproliferative neoplasm, causes the abnormal growth of blood cells in the bone marrow. It can affect platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Types Types of MPD include: Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL): Occurs when the bone marrow makes too much of a kind of white cell called eosinophils.Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL): Causes an oversupply of certain kinds of white blood cells.Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): Causes the growth of abnormal types of white blood cells.Essential thrombocythemia: Causes the overproduction of platelets which can lead to clogged blood vessels, heart attack, and stroke.Polycythemia vera: Occurs when too many red blood cells are produced by the marrow. This is associated with a genetic mutation.Primary myelofibrosis: Occurs when the bone marrow produces too much collagen. Risk Factors Risk factors vary based on type of MPD. Age, gender, and exposure to high levels of radiation, chemicals or wiring may increase risk. Prognosis Survival rates are highly variable and depend on type of MPD, overall health, and response to treatment. Prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment. The leukemic transformation in MPD differs with the type of MPD. The risk at 10 years may be as high as 20% in myelofibrosis. A Word From Verywell Survival rates from blood cancer have improved in recent years, thanks to newer treatments. As there are not currently any effective screening options for early detection of blood cancer, if you experience any unusual symptoms like fever and chills, coughing, chest pain, loss of appetite, night sweats, or other unusual symptoms, speak with your doctor, especially if you have any risk factors. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Leukemia. Cancer Treatment Centers Of America. Types of leukemia. Updated November 5 2020. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Acute myeloid leukemia. Updated November 5 2020. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Acute lymphocytic leukemia. Updated November 5 2020. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Hairy cell leukemia. Updated November 9 2020. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Chronic myeloid leukemia. Updated November 5 2020. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Risk factors for leukemia. National Cancer Institute. Cancer stat facts: Leukemia. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Lymphoma. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. What's the difference? Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma Updated January 17 2017. American Cancer Society. Survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma. Updated January 8, 2020. American Cancer Society. Survival rates and factors that affect prognosis (outlook) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Updated January 8, 2020. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Multiple myeloma. Updated November 5 2020. National Cancer Institute. MGUS to myeloma: Study suggests risk of progression can change. Updated August 13, 2019. National Cancer Institute. Drug shows promise in slowing progression of smoldering myeloma to cancer. Updated June 7, 2019. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Multiple myeloma. American Cancer Society. Survival rates by stage for multiple myeloma. Updated August 21, 2020. American Cancer Society. What Are myelodysplastic syndromes? Updated January 22, 2018. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. MDS. MDS Foundation. What is MDS? UMPC Hillman Cancer Center. Blood cancer symptoms and diagnosis. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Myeloproliferative disorder (MPD).