Critically-acclaimed actor Sam Neill reveals six shocking hidden symptoms of blood cancer - could you be missing these signs?
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Recently, beloved New Zealander actor Sam Neill opened up to Australian Story about his recent battle with blood cancer.
The 76-year-old Jurassic Park star announced earlier this year that he's been stricken with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer known as angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL).
Since then, Neill has been undergoing treatment and had some positive results, including a remission that has lasted 12 months.
He also revealed that while the particular type of cancer he has affects the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network, many of its classic signs are found in other forms of blood cancer, too—many of which can go easily overlooked.
While you may know the common warning signs of cancer, it may be crucial to know if a type of cancer has hidden symptoms.
With that said, here are six lesser-known (but still important) warning signs of blood cancer to watch out for.
Tiredness
Feeling fatigued even after eight hours of sleep and plenty of rest can be a sign of anaemia.
This blood disorder often occurs when you have a low level of red blood cells or when the body doesn’t absorb enough iron from your diet.
Anaemia can leave you feeling sluggish, breathless and pale. But an easy way to check if you are anaemic is to put your finger and thumb against your lower eyelid. If it’s discoloured, pink, or looks paler than usual, it can be a sign that you’re not producing or absorbing enough red blood cells.
Other symptoms of anaemia may include headaches and shortness of breath.
Unexplained rashes, discolouration and bruising
Many don’t realise that unexplained rashes, bruising, and discolouration may be related to blood cancer.
Unexplained rashes and discolouration may manifest as small spots or larger, discoloured patches that are noticeably different from the colour of the surrounding skin. On darker skin, they may appear purple or darker than the normal skin tone. On lighter skin, they’ll likely present as red or purple patches.
Likewise, unexplained bruising can also be a sign of low platelet function. Bruises can appear darker or in different colours from the skin tone of the rest of the body. These can feel tender when pressed.
Fever and night sweats
Fever is a classic symptom of many infections. But it may also be related to blood cancer.
In fact, those with blood cancer may have recurrent and severe infections due to the low levels of white blood cells that usually fight them off.
Night sweats can also accompany blood cancers, and in some cases, particularly in those who have lymphoma, drenching night sweats have been reported.
Lumps and swellings
Blood cancer can cause swelling and lumps in certain parts of the body, particularly in the neck, armpit and groin. These growths are usually painless, but some may become tender to the touch.
On a separate note, when lumps or swellings form inside the body - such as in or near the lungs - they can press on close by organs, leading to pain, discomfort or shortness of breath.
Abdominal problems
Another sign of blood cancer is abdominal pain. When higher levels of white blood cells gather in the spleen, it can cause swelling, and this leads to a sensation of fullness after eating only a small amount. Discomfort in the abdominal area, as well as bloating, can also occur. In some cases, people have experienced pain under their ribs on the left side.
Sudden weight loss
Sudden weight loss is a tricky sign of blood cancer. Without any other signs and symptoms, it’s hard to pinpoint what’s wrong.
According to a research centre, an enlarged spleen caused by blood cancer can squash your stomach and make you feel full before you’ve had enough to eat. This results in eating less and losing weight.
If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to see your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Neill is proof that hope exists, and that with treatment and self-care, the outlook for those with blood cancer can be positive.
As always members, please note that we’re not medical professionals and this shouldn’t be considered advice. If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to see your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The 76-year-old Jurassic Park star announced earlier this year that he's been stricken with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer known as angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL).
Since then, Neill has been undergoing treatment and had some positive results, including a remission that has lasted 12 months.
He also revealed that while the particular type of cancer he has affects the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network, many of its classic signs are found in other forms of blood cancer, too—many of which can go easily overlooked.
Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill recently opened up about his battle with blood cancer. Credit: IMDB
While you may know the common warning signs of cancer, it may be crucial to know if a type of cancer has hidden symptoms.
With that said, here are six lesser-known (but still important) warning signs of blood cancer to watch out for.
Tiredness
Feeling fatigued even after eight hours of sleep and plenty of rest can be a sign of anaemia.
This blood disorder often occurs when you have a low level of red blood cells or when the body doesn’t absorb enough iron from your diet.
Anaemia can leave you feeling sluggish, breathless and pale. But an easy way to check if you are anaemic is to put your finger and thumb against your lower eyelid. If it’s discoloured, pink, or looks paler than usual, it can be a sign that you’re not producing or absorbing enough red blood cells.
Other symptoms of anaemia may include headaches and shortness of breath.
Unexplained rashes, discolouration and bruising
Many don’t realise that unexplained rashes, bruising, and discolouration may be related to blood cancer.
Unexplained rashes and discolouration may manifest as small spots or larger, discoloured patches that are noticeably different from the colour of the surrounding skin. On darker skin, they may appear purple or darker than the normal skin tone. On lighter skin, they’ll likely present as red or purple patches.
Likewise, unexplained bruising can also be a sign of low platelet function. Bruises can appear darker or in different colours from the skin tone of the rest of the body. These can feel tender when pressed.
Fever and night sweats
Fever is a classic symptom of many infections. But it may also be related to blood cancer.
In fact, those with blood cancer may have recurrent and severe infections due to the low levels of white blood cells that usually fight them off.
Night sweats can also accompany blood cancers, and in some cases, particularly in those who have lymphoma, drenching night sweats have been reported.
There are six shocking hidden symptoms of blood cancer you may need to know. Credit: Seniors Discount Club
Lumps and swellings
Blood cancer can cause swelling and lumps in certain parts of the body, particularly in the neck, armpit and groin. These growths are usually painless, but some may become tender to the touch.
On a separate note, when lumps or swellings form inside the body - such as in or near the lungs - they can press on close by organs, leading to pain, discomfort or shortness of breath.
Abdominal problems
Another sign of blood cancer is abdominal pain. When higher levels of white blood cells gather in the spleen, it can cause swelling, and this leads to a sensation of fullness after eating only a small amount. Discomfort in the abdominal area, as well as bloating, can also occur. In some cases, people have experienced pain under their ribs on the left side.
Sudden weight loss
Sudden weight loss is a tricky sign of blood cancer. Without any other signs and symptoms, it’s hard to pinpoint what’s wrong.
According to a research centre, an enlarged spleen caused by blood cancer can squash your stomach and make you feel full before you’ve had enough to eat. This results in eating less and losing weight.
If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to see your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Neill is proof that hope exists, and that with treatment and self-care, the outlook for those with blood cancer can be positive.
As always members, please note that we’re not medical professionals and this shouldn’t be considered advice. If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to see your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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