Is blood cancer the same as leukemia?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Feng

Introduction

In general, blood cancer is a common term for leukemia, but it is not entirely synonymous with leukemia. Leukemia is a malignant tumor originating from hematopoietic stem cells, characterized by the excessive proliferation of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, which suppresses the production of normal blood cells and thereby affects normal blood function. In this context, the terms blood cancer and leukemia can be used interchangeably.

Generally speaking, blood cancer is a common term for leukemia, but it is not entirely equivalent to leukemia. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Leukemia is a type of malignant tumor originating from hematopoietic stem cells. Its characteristics include excessive proliferation of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, which suppresses the production of normal blood cells and thereby affects normal blood function. In this context, the terms blood cancer and leukemia can be used interchangeably.

However, when specifically classifying blood cancers, the term blood cancer also encompasses diseases such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Although these diseases are all categorized as hematologic malignancies, they differ significantly from leukemia in terms of pathogenesis, treatment approaches, and prognosis. For example, lymphoma primarily affects the lymphatic system, whereas leukemia originates from abnormal hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow.

Early detection, early diagnosis, and standardized treatment are key to improving survival rates and quality of life for patients with leukemia. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular sleep patterns, and routine medical checkups in daily life can help in the early prevention of blood cancer or leukemia.

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Can children with leukemia take azithromycin?

Children with leukemia have weakened immune systems and are prone to bacterial infections (such as respiratory tract or skin and soft tissue infections). If tests confirm a bacterial infection, the causative bacteria are sensitive to azithromycin, and the patient has no contraindications such as severe liver or kidney dysfunction or drug allergies, the physician may decide to use azithromycin after carefully weighing the risks and benefits. Blood counts and liver and kidney function will be closely monitored during treatment to ensure safety.

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Which tumors require chemotherapy?

Common tumors requiring chemotherapy include leukemia, lymphoma, small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and others. Chemotherapy can be used at different stages of tumor treatment, such as curative treatment, adjuvant therapy, or palliative care, with specific regimens tailored to the individual patient's condition. If a tumor is diagnosed or treatment-related discomfort occurs, it is recommended to promptly consult with a physician.