Blood Cancer
Blood cancer is an umbrella term for cancers that begin in blood-forming tissue, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system, and affect how blood cells are made and function. The three main types are leukemia, a cancer of white blood cells; lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system; and multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells. Each type has distinct subtypes, diagnostic pathways, and treatment approaches determined by a clinical haematologist.
Understanding Blood Cancer
Unlike cancers that form a solid tumour in a single organ, blood cancers generally originate in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced, or in the lymphatic system, the network of nodes and vessels involved in immune defence. This origin affects how these cancers behave, spread, and are treated, and is why they are managed by clinical haematologists rather than general oncology alone.
The three main categories of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Leukemia arises in the bone marrow and blood, involving overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system, most often presenting as swollen lymph nodes, and is divided into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types. Multiple myeloma arises from plasma cells within the bone marrow and often presents with bone pain, anemia, or kidney problems. Each of these is covered in more detail on its own dedicated page; this overview serves as a starting point for understanding how they relate to one another.
Across all blood cancers, an accurate diagnosis depends on more than an initial blood test. Bone marrow examination, imaging, flow cytometry, and genetic or molecular testing are typically needed to confirm the specific subtype and stage before a treatment plan, whether chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplant, can be finalised.
Signs of Blood Cancer to watch for
When to see a haematologist
When unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and weight loss occur together, prompt blood testing and haematology referral are recommended.
Persistent swelling of lymph nodes, unusual bruising, or unexplained bone pain without a clear cause warrants specialist evaluation.
An abnormal complete blood count found on a routine check should be reviewed by a clinical haematologist for further work-up rather than repeated without explanation.
Tests offered at the centre
Complete Blood Count and Peripheral Smear
The starting point for evaluating suspected blood cancer, identifying abnormal cell counts or cell appearances that prompt further testing.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Provides direct assessment of the marrow, essential for diagnosing leukemia, myeloma, and cases of lymphoma involving the marrow.
Flow Cytometry / Immunophenotyping
Identifies specific marker proteins on abnormal cells, helping classify the exact type and subtype of blood cancer.
Cytogenetic and Molecular Testing
Detects genetic and chromosomal changes that refine diagnosis, risk category, and treatment selection across blood cancer types.
Imaging (CT, PET-CT, or MRI)
Used, particularly in lymphoma and myeloma, to determine the extent of disease and stage it accurately before treatment planning.
Treatment options
Your treatment plan is personalized to your diagnosis, subtype and overall health.
Chemotherapy
Remains a core treatment for many blood cancers, with specific regimens selected according to the confirmed diagnosis and internationally aligned protocols.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Newer treatments directed at specific molecular or immune targets are used in appropriate subtypes, often alongside or in place of conventional chemotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
Used for select lymphomas and specific disease sites as part of a combined treatment approach.
Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant
Considered for eligible patients across leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma when intensified treatment is appropriate for their specific disease and risk profile.
Supportive and Palliative Care Integration
Symptom management, transfusion support, and infection prevention are integrated throughout treatment to support overall wellbeing at every stage.
Why choose AP Blood & Blood Cancer Centre
Because leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma each require different diagnostic pathways and treatment protocols, accurate classification is the essential first step in blood cancer care. As a single-specialty haematology centre, this classification and subsequent treatment planning are handled within one focused clinical practice rather than a general oncology setting covering many unrelated cancers.
Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Clinical Haematology), has over 7 years of experience in clinical haematology and has been part of specialist transplant teams that have managed more than 500 bone marrow transplant patients across blood cancer and blood disorder cases, along with an ASH (American Society of Hematology) Abstract Award. Treatment plans are personalized to the confirmed diagnosis, subtype, and stage, following internationally aligned protocols.
Common questions about Blood Cancer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MD, DNB (Clinical Haematology)
Last reviewed on 1 July 2026
Concerned about possible blood cancer symptoms?
Persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, or abnormal blood counts should be evaluated promptly by a clinical haematologist.