Blood cancer - everything you need to know

Lymphoma is a type of cancer which affects our lymphatic system. This is a network of vessels which runs throughout our body and helps to carry immune cells like white blood cells, waste, and water. It has an important role in our immune system.

Lymphoma happens when a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte does not develop properly. The cells begin to divide out of control and clump together to form solid lumps. Tumours most commonly form in the lymph nodes but they can form in other parts of the body too.

Lymphomas are usually classed as Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, depending on the type of cell that is affected. Hodgkin lymphoma is more rare in the general population, but is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in younger people.

Leukaemia is a cancer of white blood cells. It usually begins in the bone marrow when the process of generating new white blood cells goes wrong. Precursor blood cells (called ‘stem cells’) produce too many cells that do not develop fully. This leads to a lack of healthy cells able to work properly. It can also disrupt the balance between white blood cells and other cells in the blood, causing further problems.

There are many different types of leukaemia, which are usually named according to the type of cell they affect, and whether they are chronic or acute.

Acute types of leukaemia develop quickly and can have more severe symptoms at an earlier stage. Prompt treatment is often needed to help prevent rapid progression.

Chronic types of leukaemia tend to develop more slowly, with milder initial symptoms. Treatment is usually still required, but the condition may be managed differently over time.

Myelomas develop when a type of bone marrow cell called a plasma cell begins to divide uncontrollably. Plasma cells are usually involved in producing antibodies, which help our immune system recognise and fight off infection. When myeloma develops, plasma cells do not produce antibodies correctly, and this can affect our ability to recover from infection. The overproduction of plasma cells can also lead to problems with production of other cells in the bone marrow, causing further issues.  

Myeloma is usually called multiple myeloma because it can affect any bone in the body which contains bone marrow involved in blood cell production. Myeloma can develop in different areas of the body at the same time.