Blood cancer symptoms: The simple finger test that could identify the deadly disease

 

Blood cancer Report

The symptoms of blood cancer can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer, but one common symptom can be identified without the need for any advanced medical equipment or expertise. Bleeding underneath the skin can lead to the appearance of rashes or blotches that produce a dark purple colour, according to Blood Cancer UK. If you press down on these patches, the colour does not fade as it might with other rashes. If you believe that you have blood cancer you should consult a doctor as soon as you are able to diagnose and treat it. On light skin a red or purple splotch produces a greater contrast and is easily identified.

Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, affects the production and function of blood cells in the body. There are different types of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, each with its own set of symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of blood cancer:

1. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness that doesn't improve with rest.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without dieting or lifestyle changes.
3. Fever and Night Sweats: Frequent fevers that may occur without an obvious cause, often accompanied by night sweats.
4. Frequent Infections: Blood cancer can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
5. Easy Bruising or Bleeding: Unexplained bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts.
6. Bone Pain: Pain or tenderness in the bones, usually in the back, hips, or ribs.
7. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin.
8. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, which can occur due to anemia or enlarged lymph nodes pressing on the airways.
9. Abdominal Discomfort: Enlarged spleen or liver may cause abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness.
10. Pale Skin: Pale or jaundiced (yellowish) skin due to anemia or liver involvement.

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of blood cancer, and some people with blood cancer may not experience any symptoms initially. If you're experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with blood cancer.

Cancer prevention

On black or brown skin this can appear as a purple patch that appears darker than the skin surrounding it.

Because of the increased difficulty that can occur in identifying these signs, groups like the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust work to increase awareness about these symptoms in communities where they are less likely to be detected.

Other prevalent signs of blood cancer shouldalso be watched for.

Unexplained weight loss, fatigue and shortness of breath are common across many different types of cancer.

More distinctive to blood cancer is a distinctive paleness of the skin, and the presence of unexplained bruises or bleeding on different parts of the body.

If you are uncertain about the paleness of your skin, there is another self-examination you can perform.

Regardless of skin tone, the lower eyelid is the same colour in a healthy person.

Pulling gently down on the lower eyelid should reveal an inside that is dark pink or red.

If it is instead a pale pink or even white then this pallor is a sign of blood cancer.

A self-examination in a mirror should not be taken as a proper medical exam but you can raise it as a point of concern with your GP.

If you have Coronavirus symptoms you should go into self-isolation until you are able to complete a test.

If the test is negative for coronavirus then your symptoms may be caused by something else.

If you suffer from both at once the symptoms of the coronavirus might be concealing the blood cancer, whose symptoms will persist after the point that a coronavirus infection would typically pass. Read More