Diagnosis guide
Types of blood cancer
If you or someone you love has just heard this diagnosis, start here. It covers several subtypes, and this guide shows how they differ, so you can find the one on your report.
Blood cancers affect how blood cells are made and how they work. Most start in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood is made. The three main types are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Leukemia starts in the blood-forming tissue of the marrow, where abnormal white cells crowd out healthy ones. Lymphoma starts in lymphocytes, immune cells that build up in lymph nodes and other organs. Myeloma starts in plasma cells, the cells that make antibodies. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are blood cancers too. In MDS, young blood cells do not mature. In myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), the marrow makes too many blood cells. Each type has many subtypes, and each is treated differently. A stem cell transplant is one treatment among many. In Europe, donor transplants are used most for myeloid cancers such as AML and MDS. Transplants for myeloma and lymphoma most often use the person’s own cells.
In short
- Blood cancers affect how blood cells are made and work. Most start in the bone marrow. The main types are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, along with MDS and MPNs.
- Each type and subtype is treated differently. Tests on the blood, the bone marrow or a lymph node find the exact type.
- A donor stem cell transplant is used most for some leukemias and MDS. For myeloma and lymphoma, a transplant most often uses the person’s own cells.
Start with the broad type
Each guide explains one broad type and how its subtypes differ.
- Diagnosis guide
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. Acute or chronic, myeloid or lymphoid, the type guides treatment; a donor transplant is used for some types.
- Diagnosis guide
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer of lymphocytes, in two main types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. How each is treated, and why most transplants use the person’s own cells.
- Diagnosis guide
Myeloma and related plasma cell disorders
Plasma cell disorders range from MGUS, which is watched, to multiple myeloma. Most transplants for them return the person’s own stem cells, not a donor’s.
- Diagnosis guide
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
MDS are blood cancers where faulty blood cell production causes low counts. Subtypes differ; a donor transplant may offer long-term control for some.
- Diagnosis guide
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
MPNs are blood cancers in which the marrow makes too many blood cells. Many are treated without transplant; a donor transplant is mainly for myelofibrosis.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report. Open a group to see its subtypes.
Leukemia 12 subtypes
Cancers that start in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow, acute or chronic.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of blood-forming cells. Treatment is tailored to the leukemia’s genetic features, response to therapy and the person’s health; some people benefit from a donor stem cell transplant.
Donor transplant optionAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a distinct form of AML, usually driven by a PML::RARA gene fusion. It can cause dangerous bleeding, but prompt treatment with differentiation medicines allows many people to recover without a stem cell transplant.
Limited transplant roleTherapy-related AML and MDS (t-AML, t-MDS)
Therapy-related AML and MDS are blood cancers that can develop months or years after chemotherapy or radiation for an earlier illness, usually another cancer. The WHO calls this group myeloid neoplasms post cytotoxic therapy. It is treated much like other AML and MDS, and it is often harder to treat.
Donor transplant optionB/myeloid mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)
B/myeloid mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is an acute leukemia with defining features of both B-lymphoid and myeloid lineages. Expert review of cell markers and genetics is needed because this is different from ordinary B-ALL or AML with an occasional extra marker.
Donor transplant optionB-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of immature B lymphocytes. Treatment often controls it without transplant, while donor transplantation and selected immunotherapies are important for some higher-risk or relapsed cases.
Donor transplant optionPhiladelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL is usually a B-lineage acute leukemia containing the BCR::ABL1 fusion. The fusion makes an overactive growth-signaling enzyme, so treatment includes medicines directed at that target.
Donor transplant optionT-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of immature T cells. Treatment uses an ALL regimen; donor transplantation is considered when the response or disease features indicate a substantial risk of relapse.
Donor transplant optionChronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a blood cancer driven by the BCR::ABL1 fusion. Most people start with a targeted medicine, while a donor stem cell transplant remains an option for resistant disease or progression.
Limited transplant roleChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) are two presentations of the same mature B-cell cancer. Many people initially need monitoring; targeted medicines are the usual treatment, and donor transplantation is reserved for selected difficult-to-treat disease.
Limited transplant roleHairy cell leukemia (HCL)
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare, slow-growing cancer of B cells that builds up in the bone marrow and spleen and lowers normal blood counts. Nearly all classic cases carry a BRAF V600E change in the leukemia cells.
Limited transplant roleT-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL)
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, often aggressive cancer of mature T cells. It can produce a very high lymphocyte count, enlarged organs, skin involvement and systemic symptoms.
Donor transplant optionAggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL)
Aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL) is a very rare, fast-growing cancer of mature natural killer (NK) cells in the blood, bone marrow, liver and spleen. It is usually linked to Epstein-Barr virus and often causes fever, liver problems and severe inflammation.
Donor transplant option
Hodgkin lymphoma 2 subtypes
Lymphomas marked by Reed-Sternberg cells, or the rare NLPHL type.
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is a B-cell cancer identified by characteristic Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells. Many people are cured with initial drug treatment, sometimes with radiotherapy; transplant is mainly used when the lymphoma returns or resists treatment.
Usually the person’s own cellsNodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare, usually slow-growing B-cell lymphoma that differs from classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Its large LP (“popcorn”) cells carry B-cell markers such as CD20. Most people are diagnosed at an early stage and do very well.
Limited transplant role
Non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma 10 subtypes
The most common lymphomas, some fast-growing and some slow-growing.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive cancer of mature B cells. Many people are cured with initial treatment. At relapse, the choice among CAR-T therapy, autologous transplantation and other treatments depends on timing and response.
Cell or gene therapy optionsDouble-hit lymphoma (MYC and BCL2 rearranged)
Double-hit lymphoma is a fast-growing B-cell lymphoma in which the MYC and BCL2 genes are both rearranged. The World Health Organization now calls it diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements. It is found by a lab test on the biopsy and is different from “double-expressor” lymphoma.
Cell or gene therapy optionsPrimary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma that usually begins in the chest between the lungs. Initial treatment can be curative; transplantation and CAR-T therapy are mainly considered for resistant or relapsed disease.
Cell or gene therapy optionsPrimary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL)
Primary central nervous system lymphoma starts in the brain, spinal cord, eyes or nearby coverings without lymphoma elsewhere at diagnosis. Treatment must reach these sites; eligible patients may receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by their own stem cells.
Usually the person’s own cellsBurkitt lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma is a rapidly growing mature B-cell cancer associated with abnormal MYC activity. Prompt, specialized drug treatment can cure many patients; stem cell transplantation is not the usual first-line treatment.
Limited transplant roleMantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell cancer with a variable pace. Targeted medicines and immunotherapy are changing treatment, including when autologous transplant is useful; donor transplantation is reserved for selected situations.
Cell or gene therapy optionsRichter transformation (Richter syndrome)
Richter transformation is when chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) turns into a fast-growing lymphoma, most often diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and less often Hodgkin lymphoma. It needs prompt treatment, and doctors check whether the new lymphoma grew from the same cells as the CLL.
Donor transplant optionFollicular lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is usually a slow-growing B-cell cancer. Treatment ranges from monitoring to radiotherapy, medicines and cellular therapy; transplantation is considered for selected higher-risk or relapsed disease.
Cell or gene therapy optionsMarginal zone lymphoma (MZL)
Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a group of slow-growing B-cell lymphomas. The main types are extranodal (MALT) lymphoma, which often starts in the stomach or other organs, nodal MZL and splenic MZL.
Limited transplant roleWaldenström macroglobulinemia
Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma that produces an IgM antibody protein. Some people need only monitoring; medicines are the usual treatment, with transplantation reserved for selected relapsed disease.
Limited transplant role
T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma 9 subtypes
Uncommon lymphomas of T cells or natural killer (NK) cells, including types that affect the skin.
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL-NOS)
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), is a cancer of mature T cells that does not fit another defined subtype. Treatment often uses combination chemotherapy; selected patients may receive an autologous or donor transplant.
Usually the person’s own cellsAngioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL)
The World Health Organization’s 2022 classification calls angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma “nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic-type.” It can disrupt immune function as well as cause lymphoma growth, and treatment may include selected stem cell transplant approaches.
Usually the person’s own cellsALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma without an ALK rearrangement. Treatment commonly uses drug combinations, with autologous or donor transplantation considered in selected situations.
Usually the person’s own cellsALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma driven by an ALK rearrangement. Many patients respond well to initial drug treatment; transplantation is mainly considered for selected higher-risk or relapsed disease.
Limited transplant roleExtranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL)
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoma that often affects the nose and nearby tissues. Treatment depends strongly on its extent; selected advanced or relapsed cases may benefit from a donor transplant.
Donor transplant optionAdult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a cancer of mature T cells associated with long-standing HTLV-1 infection. Treatment differs by subtype; a donor transplant is an important potentially curative option for eligible people with aggressive disease.
Donor transplant optionHepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL)
Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that mainly involves the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Early specialist treatment and donor-transplant assessment are important because ordinary lymphoma chemotherapy alone often gives short-lived control.
Donor transplant optionMycosis fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a T-cell lymphoma that usually begins in the skin. Early disease is often treated with skin-directed therapies; a donor stem cell transplant is an option for selected advanced or difficult-to-treat cases.
Limited transplant roleSézary syndrome
Sézary syndrome is a mature T-cell lymphoma involving the blood and usually causing widespread inflamed, itchy skin. Systemic treatment is central; a donor stem cell transplant can offer lasting remission for selected eligible patients.
Donor transplant option
Myeloma and related plasma cell disorders 6 subtypes
Multiple myeloma is a cancer. MGUS is not cancer but can become cancer, and AL amyloidosis is not considered a cancer.
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of antibody-producing plasma cells. Treatment combines medicines directed at the myeloma; eligible patients may receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by their own stem cells, while donor transplantation is uncommon.
Cell or gene therapy optionsSmoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)
Smoldering multiple myeloma is an early stage of myeloma that causes no symptoms or organ damage. Abnormal plasma cells and the abnormal protein they make are present at higher levels than in MGUS. Most people are watched closely; some with high-risk disease may be offered treatment to delay progression to active myeloma.
Limited transplant roleMGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) is a common condition. A small group of plasma cells makes an abnormal antibody protein, called M protein. It is not cancer and causes no symptoms. But a small share of people later develop multiple myeloma or a related disease, so it is watched with regular blood tests.
Not treated with transplantPrimary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL)
Primary plasma cell leukemia is an aggressive plasma-cell cancer with malignant plasma cells circulating in blood at diagnosis. Treatment is urgent and often combines modern myeloma medicines with selected transplant strategies.
Usually the person’s own cellsAL amyloidosis (light-chain amyloidosis)
AL amyloidosis occurs when an abnormal cell clone produces antibody light chains that misfold and damage organs. Treatment suppresses that clone; some carefully selected patients receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by their own stem cells.
Usually the person’s own cellsPOEMS syndrome
POEMS syndrome is a rare disorder caused by an abnormal plasma-cell population, with nerve damage and effects on several organs. Treatment targets the plasma cells; an autologous stem cell transplant is an option for eligible people with systemic disease.
Usually the person’s own cells
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and overlap types 6 subtypes
Young blood cells in the marrow do not mature into healthy cells; overlap types also have features of an MPN.
MDS with increased blasts (MDS-IB)
MDS with increased blasts is a myelodysplastic neoplasm with a raised proportion of immature blood cells. It often follows a higher-risk treatment pathway, including consideration of a donor stem cell transplant for eligible people.
Donor transplant optionMDS with biallelic TP53 inactivation (multi-hit TP53)
MDS with biallelic TP53 inactivation is a high-risk myelodysplastic neoplasm in which both copies of an important tumor-suppressor gene are affected. Donor transplantation may offer a chance of lasting disease control, but relapse remains a major concern.
Donor transplant optionMDS with low blasts and isolated 5q deletion
MDS with low blasts and a 5q deletion is a marrow cancer with loss of genetic material from chromosome 5. Anemia is often the main problem, and many people start with blood-supporting treatment rather than a donor transplant.
Limited transplant roleMDS with low blasts and SF3B1 mutation
MDS with low blasts and an SF3B1 mutation is a genetically defined marrow cancer that often causes anemia. Many people receive monitoring and treatment to improve blood production; donor transplantation is considered only in selected circumstances.
Limited transplant roleChronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a blood cancer with both abnormal blood-cell development and excess monocytes. Treatment depends on its pace and risk; a donor stem cell transplant is the established option with curative potential for eligible people.
Donor transplant optionAtypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML)
Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) is a rare blood cancer with features of both myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. The marrow makes too many abnormal neutrophil-line cells. It lacks the BCR::ABL1 gene that defines CML, and the WHO now calls it MDS/MPN with neutrophilia.
Donor transplant option
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) 7 subtypes
The bone marrow makes too many red cells, white cells or platelets.
Polycythemia vera (PV)
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a slow-growing blood cancer, one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms, in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells and may make too many white cells and platelets as well. Almost everyone with PV has a JAK2 gene change. The thicker blood raises the risk of clots, and over many years PV can change into myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia.
Not treated with transplantEssential thrombocythemia (ET)
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a slow-growing blood cancer, one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms, in which the bone marrow makes too many platelets. Most people have a JAK2, CALR or MPL gene change. The main risks are blood clots and bleeding, and over many years a small number of people see ET change into myelofibrosis or, less often, acute myeloid leukemia.
Not treated with transplantPrimary myelofibrosis (PMF)
Primary myelofibrosis is a blood-forming stem cell cancer that disrupts marrow function and can cause marrow scarring. Blood production may shift to the spleen and liver, leading to enlarged organs and symptoms.
Donor transplant optionPost-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (post-PV MF)
Post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis is progression of previously established polycythemia vera (PV) to a fibrotic marrow disorder. Blood production and symptoms change; anemia and an enlarged spleen may develop after the earlier phase of excess red cells.
Donor transplant optionPost-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (post-ET MF)
Post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis is progression of a previously established essential thrombocythemia (ET) to a fibrotic marrow disorder. Anemia, an enlarged spleen and other changes can replace the earlier pattern of mainly raised platelets.
Donor transplant optionChronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL)
Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) is a rare blood cancer in which the marrow makes too many mature neutrophils. It commonly involves a CSF3R gene alteration and must be distinguished from infection-related neutrophilia and other myeloid cancers.
Donor transplant optionJuvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare blood cancer of early childhood driven by abnormal RAS-pathway signaling. Most children need a donor stem cell transplant, while a small genetically defined group may follow a different course.
Donor transplant option
Other rare blood cancers 3 subtypes
Rare blood cancers that do not fit the groups above.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN)
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare aggressive cancer of immature plasmacytoid dendritic cells. It often appears in the skin but can also involve marrow, blood, lymph nodes and the central nervous system.
Donor transplant optionAdvanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM)
Advanced systemic mastocytosis is a rare blood cancer in which abnormal mast cells, usually carrying the KIT D816V gene change, build up in the bone marrow and other organs and impair how they work. It includes aggressive systemic mastocytosis, systemic mastocytosis with an associated hematologic neoplasm, and mast cell leukemia.
Limited transplant roleMyeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with FGFR1 rearrangement
Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with FGFR1 rearrangement is a rare, aggressive blood cancer caused by a broken and rejoined FGFR1 gene on chromosome 8 (8p11). It can appear as a myeloproliferative neoplasm, an acute leukemia or a lymphoma, often with extra eosinophils. It used to be called 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome.
Donor transplant option
For some of these subtypes, a patient needs a donor who is not a relative. The registry that serves your country explains who can join.
See if you can joinKey facts
- Three main types
- Leukemia, lymphoma and myelomaAs described by the American Society of Hematology, accessed 2026-09-26. Source: Three main types
- Where most start
- In the bone marrow, where blood cells are madeAs described by the American Society of Hematology, accessed 2026-09-26. Source: Where most start
- Donor transplants in Europe
- 62% were for myeloid cancers such as AML and MDSDonor (allogeneic) transplants reported to EBMT in 2024 (21,023), from 688 centers in 53 countries. Lymphoid cancers, such as ALL and lymphoma, made up about 24%. Source: Donor transplants in Europe
- Own-cell transplants in Europe
- Plasma cell disorders such as myeloma 59% · lymphomas 22%Own-cell (autologous) transplants reported to EBMT in 2024 (26,181), from 688 centers in 53 countries. Source: Own-cell transplants in Europe
- Unrelated donors
- 56% of donor transplantsDonor transplants reported to EBMT in 2024. A matched brother or sister was the donor in 25%, and a half-matched or other relative in 19%. Source: Unrelated donors
How blood cancer is diagnosed
Some blood cancers are first found on a complete blood count (CBC). This common test counts red cells, white cells and platelets. A blood smear, a look at the blood under a microscope, can show cells of the wrong number, size or shape. Some blood cancers cause no symptoms at first. NCI notes that polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis may be found on a routine blood test. Smoldering myeloma may be found when a blood or urine test is done for another reason.
The test that confirms the diagnosis depends on where the cancer starts. For leukemia, MDS, MPNs and myeloma, doctors often take a small sample of bone marrow and bone (bone marrow aspiration and biopsy). A hollow needle is used, usually in the hip bone or breastbone. For myeloma, blood and urine tests also measure abnormal antibody proteins, and x-rays or scans look for bone damage. For lymphoma, a surgeon usually removes all or part of a swollen lymph node (biopsy).
Lab tests on the cancer cells then find the exact type. Marker tests (immunophenotyping) show which kind of cell the cancer began in. Chromosome tests (cytogenetic analysis and FISH) look for changes in the cells’ genes. These results name the subtype, and they help the care team plan treatment.
When transplant specialists are usually consulted
U.S. guidelines from NMDP and ASTCT call early referral a critical factor for good transplant outcomes. When a donor transplant may be needed, they advise detailed tissue typing (high-resolution HLA typing) of the patient and possible family donors at diagnosis. They also advise a first search of the NMDP Registry for an unrelated donor at the same time.
The timing differs by cancer. The guidelines recommend HLA typing at diagnosis for everyone with AML and for people 40 and older with ALL. For myeloma, they recommend a consultation at diagnosis and again if it progresses or comes back. For lymphoma, the timing depends on the type and on how it responds to treatment. The guidelines also say age alone does not rule out a transplant.
Read the guidanceLooking ahead
Outlook for blood cancers
The outlook differs a great deal from one blood cancer to another, and between subtypes of the same cancer. For many types, NCI also lists the stage or risk group and chromosome changes in the cancer cells. Age, general health and whether the cancer is new or has come back matter too.
U.S. cancer registry data (SEER) cover people diagnosed from 2016 to 2022. Five-year relative survival was 89.3% for Hodgkin lymphoma, 74.3% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 68.6% for leukemia and 63.7% for myeloma. Each of these groups mixes many subtypes, some usually cured and some much harder to treat.
Relative survival compares people with a cancer to people in the general population and leaves out deaths from other causes. These figures describe people diagnosed years ago, and treatment keeps changing. Each type’s own guide gives its figures and details.
About these numbers. Each one says which group of people it comes from, and the place and years where the source gives them. It describes what happened across that group, not what will happen to any one person. And a figure measured among people who had a transplant is not the same as the number of people who need one.
- 89.3%5-year relative survival, Hodgkin lymphoma
All ages and all Hodgkin lymphoma combined, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois).
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, Hodgkin lymphoma - 74.3%5-year relative survival, non-Hodgkin lymphoma
All ages and all non-Hodgkin lymphoma types combined, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois).
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, non-Hodgkin lymphoma - 68.6%5-year relative survival, leukemia
All ages and all leukemia types combined, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois).
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, leukemia - 63.7%5-year relative survival, myeloma
All ages, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois).
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, myeloma
These figures combine many types, so they can be far from the outlook for any one type or any one person.
Common questions
What are the main types of blood cancer?
The American Society of Hematology names three main types: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Leukemia starts in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow. Lymphoma starts in lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell, and builds up in lymph nodes and other organs. Myeloma starts in plasma cells, which make antibodies. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are blood cancers that also start in the bone marrow. Each type has many subtypes.
How does blood cancer start?
Blood cells are made from stem cells in the bone marrow. They mature into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. The American Society of Hematology explains what goes wrong in most blood cancers. One abnormal type of blood cell grows out of control and interrupts this process. In leukemia, NCI says, the abnormal cells crowd out normal blood cells. That can make it harder for the body to get oxygen to its tissues, control bleeding or fight infections.
Is MGUS a blood cancer?
No. NCI says monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is not cancer but can become cancer. In MGUS, abnormal plasma cells make up less than 10% of the bone marrow and make an extra antibody protein called M protein. It is sometimes found on a routine blood or urine test. In some people it later becomes multiple myeloma or another condition, such as amyloidosis. NCI says care is usually watchful waiting, with regular blood tests and checkups.
Does everyone with blood cancer need a stem cell transplant?
No. Many people are treated with chemotherapy, targeted medicines or other therapies, and some slow-growing blood cancers are watched closely at first. NCI says stem cell transplants are most often used for cancers that affect blood cells, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and MDS. Even then, a transplant is for selected people, and the kind depends on the cancer. Each type’s guide explains where a transplant fits.
What is the difference between a donor transplant and an own-cell transplant?
In an own-cell (autologous) transplant, the stem cells come from the person with cancer. They are given back after high-dose treatment. In a donor (allogeneic) transplant, they come from a relative or an unrelated donor whose cells are a close enough match. NCI explains that donor cells can attack leftover cancer cells, called the graft-versus-leukemia effect. They can also attack healthy tissue, called graft-versus-host disease. In Europe in 2024, own-cell transplants were mostly for myeloma and lymphoma.
Why do some people need an unrelated donor?
A donor’s tissue type (HLA) has to match the patient’s closely. NCI says the best match is most often a brother or sister. But a close enough match can also be someone who is not related. In Europe in 2024, 56% of donor transplants used an unrelated donor. When a donor transplant may be needed, U.S. guidelines advise HLA typing of the patient and family, and a first search of the NMDP Registry, at diagnosis. Unrelated donors are found by searching donor registries.
What is the survival rate for blood cancer?
It depends on the type. In U.S. SEER data for people diagnosed from 2016 to 2022, five-year relative survival ranged from 63.7% for myeloma to 89.3% for Hodgkin lymphoma. Leukemia (68.6%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (74.3%) fell between them. Each group mixes subtypes with very different outlooks. The outlook section on this page explains what these numbers describe. They cannot predict what will happen to one person.
Types of blood cancer
From the Jada Bascom Foundation disease library, jadabascomfoundation.org. Printed .
Questions to bring to your care team
- Which type and subtype of blood cancer is it, and which tests confirmed it?
- What gene or chromosome changes did the tests find, and what do they change about treatment?
- Could a stem cell transplant become part of my plan, and would it use my own cells or a donor’s?
- If a donor transplant is possible, should HLA typing for me and my brothers and sisters start now?
- What is the goal of each treatment you are suggesting?
- What happens if a fully matched donor is not found?
- Where can our family find support during treatment?
A one-page list to take to the next appointment, with room for notes.
Supporting someone with a diagnosisSupport for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Blood Cancer UK UK charity for all types of blood cancer, with a confidential support service, an online community and information on leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS and more.United Kingdom
- Leukaemia Foundation Australian charity for people with blood cancer, offering emotional support, education and accommodation help for people traveling from regional areas for treatment.Australia
Someone may be waiting for a match.
Some people with types of blood cancer are treated with a transplant from a donor. When no relative matches, that donor is often a stranger who joined a registry.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help someone you love find a donor
If someone you love needs a donor, our family guide explains practical ways to help. A registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this page, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Understanding transplant
Short explainers on what a transplant is and what it means for a family.
Sources and further reading
- Blood Cancers
American Society of Hematology, Accessed 2026-09-26 - What Is Cancer?
National Cancer Institute, Updated 2026-08-28; accessed 2026-09-26 - The 2024 EBMT activity report: crossing one million HCTs and 20,000 CAR-T. A landmark in cellular therapy
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2026-05-27 - Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute, Updated 2023-10-05; accessed 2026-09-26 - Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-05-16 - Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2024-10-04 - Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-05-12 - Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2023-11-17 - Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2024-08-22 - Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-02-27 - Cancer Stat Facts: Hodgkin Lymphoma
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Cancer Stat Facts: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Cancer Stat Facts: Myeloma
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - 2024 Recommended Timing for Transplant Consultation
NMDP and American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), February 2024; accessed 2026-09-26 - Recommended timing for transplant consultation: Plasma cell disorders
NMDP and ASTCT, Accessed 2026-09-26
