While we’re becoming increasingly open about discussing our health, there are still certain illnesses that remain less talked about.
Blood cancer is one such disease, largely due to its less obvious or well-known symptoms. This was recently highlighted by Doctor Amit Garg, a specialist in the field, on TikTok.
He outlined common signs of blood cancer including fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections or fever, enlarged lymph nodes, night sweats, bone pain and pale skin. However, an often “overlooked” symptom was pointed out in the comments section.
One user mentioned: “Don’t forget the skin rash.” To which Doctor Amit responded: “Yes! Especially in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.”
Another added: “Itchy skin needs to be added to this – it’s a very overlooked symptom.” The doctor agreed with this as well.
A further comment read: “I only had bruising that wouldn’t go away. Diagnosed with AML, now six years in remission. Only chemo, no transplant. I am blessed.”
Lots of other people also commented on the video, and asked lots of questions about the illness. Some admitted they have experienced some of the symptoms, though this doesn’t mean they have blood cancer.
What you need to know about blood cancer
Blood cancer affects your blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system and can develop when your blood cells grow abnormally. The most common types include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
While Doctor Amit has highlighted the typical symptoms, there may be other signs to watch out for. One such symptom is a skin rash, which can be indicative of cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma.
These rashes often manifest as small red spots or purple blotches and may even cause itchy skin. It’s important to note that symptoms of blood cancer can appear differently on varying skin tones.
For instance, bruises usually begin as red patches and darken over time, often accompanied by tenderness. Rashes, on the other hand, typically present as clusters of tiny spots (petechiae) or larger blotches (purpura), which do not fade when pressed.
However, having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have blood cancer. If you notice any changes in your body or have any health concerns, it’s always best to consult with your GP.