Types of blood disorders, explained.
Malignant blood disorders
Leukemia:
Leukemia is a cancer involving the white blood cells, which help you fight infection. Leukemia can be either acute or chronic.
American Cancer Society/Types of Leukemia
Lymphoma:
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system. The lymph system is all through out your body. Lymphoma is typically characterized by swollen lymph nodes.
American Cancer Society – Understanding Lymphoma
Multiple Myeloma:
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of a type of white blood cell, called plasma cells. Plasma cells help fight infection by making antibodies. Multiple myeloma can present in the bone marrow, cause kidney damage or weaken your bones.
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
American Cancer Society – Multiple Myeloma
Benign blood disorders
Anemia:
Anemia is when you have low red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues.
Anemia can be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiency, bleeding, or increased demand for blood as in pregnancy.
Platelet and clotting disorders:
These disorders are associated with your blood’s ability to make clots.
Platelet and clotting disorders can include inherited clotting disorders, deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Hemochromatosis:
Hemochromatosis is an inherited blood disorder where you store too much iron in the body.
