Cancer More Cancer Types Overview of Blood Cell Cancers By Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 06, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Angela Underwood Fact checked by Angela Underwood LinkedIn Angela Underwood's extensive local, state, and federal healthcare and environmental news coverage includes 911 first-responder compensation policy to the Ciba-Geigy water contamination case in Toms River, NJ. Her additional health-related coverage includes death and dying, skin care, and autism spectrum disorder. Learn about our editorial process Print Cancer develops when cells in the body multiply out of control. Blood contains three kinds of cells: red cells, white cells, and platelets. White blood cells are the most likely to become cancerous, but any of these kinds of cells can develop into cancer cells. In blood cell cancers, instead of a tumor (a clump of cancer cells) developing, such as in lung cancer, the tumor cells are spread throughout the blood system of the body. Ed Reschke / Getty Images Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a blood cell (plasma cell, a type of white blood cell) cancer and b-cell neoplasm most often diagnosed in people older than age 65. In the United States, the risk of multiple myeloma is highest among African-Americans and lowest among Asian-Americans. Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia In Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, white blood cells called B lymphocytes multiply out of control, invading the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. People older than age 50 have the highest risk for this type of cancer. It is estimated that about 1,000 to 1,500 people are diagnosed in the United States each year with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. Leukemia Leukemia is a cancer of white blood cells. The white blood cells divide and multiply out of control, forming cancerous blast cells. Leukemia can progress quickly (acute leukemia) or slowly (chronic leukemia). Lymphoma The body's lymph system carries white blood cells that help fight off infections. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell present in the lymph system (such as the lymph nodes), and they can grow and multiply to create a type of cancer called lymphoma. There are different types of melanonma. Specialized Medical Treatment Blood cell cancers require specialized medical treatment depending on the type of cancer, how advanced it is, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. A hematologist-oncologist is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cell cancers. A primary care doctor would refer you to this type of specialist to confirm or establish a diagnosis and develop the best course of treatment for you or a loved one. 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 8 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. American Society of Hematology. Blood Cancers Kaweme NM, Changwe GJ, Zhou F. Approaches and challenges in the management of multiple myeloma in the very old: future treatment prospects. Front Med. 2021;8:612696. doi.10.3389/fmed.2021.612696 Marinac, C.R., Ghobrial, I.M., Birmann, B.M. et al. Dissecting racial disparities in multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J. 10, 19 (2020). doi.10.1038/s41408-020-0284-7 American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics About Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. American Cancer Society. Tests for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) American Cancer Society. Lymphoma Yale Medicine. Blood Cancers