Nisha Salim
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Nisha Salim | Updated : February 24, 2015 10:55 AM IST
Blood cancers are diseases that usually start in the bone marrow and affect the production of blood cells. The normal process of development of blood is hindered by abnormal cells. These cancerous cells prevent the blood from performing routine functions such as preventing bleeding and fighting off infections. Bangalore based oncologist, Dr. Radheshyam explains that blood cancer is quite common, especially in adults. 'Chemicals such as benzene and especially those used in the rubber industry, smoking, and previous history of any type of cancer can increase a person s risk of developing blood cancer,' says Dr. Radheshyam.
Anyone at any age can get blood cancer. There are three main types of blood cancers. Each type may also include some variations, but generally cancers of the blood are categorised into the following types:
Leukaemia affects the blood and bone marrow. It usually starts in the bone marrow and causes malignant changes in the white blood cells. The white cells start multiplying abnormally and crowd the marrow, thus affecting its ability to produce normal blood cells.
There are four main types of leukaemia:
'ACL is commonly found in children, while AML is most common in adults,' says Dr. Radheshyam.
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Common symptoms include pain in the joints or bones, fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, easy bruising, abdominal discomfort, recurring infections, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss.
Leukaemia is diagnosed by examination, medical history, and testing blood and bone marrow samples. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, the unique features of the leukaemia cells, how far the disease has progressed, age, overall health, and prior treatment history. Most patients are treated with chemotherapy, and some others may also have to undergo radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant. Read more about the various cancer terms: Leukaemia to Oncology
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymph nodes. It affects the lymphatic system which is responsible for producing immune cells and removing excess fluid from the body. Lymphoma is characterised by solid tumours in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphomas - Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The majority of lymphomas are non-Hodgkin's.
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
The most typical symptom of a lymphoma is a swelling of the lymph nodes usually in the neck, groin, or the armpit. Patients may also sweat heavily, have high fevers, lose weight suddenly, develop itching, or feel tired.
Lymphoma is diagnosed by physical examination and biopsy. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunologically therapy with monoclonal antibodies are the treatment options open to patients. Surgery may also be useful in some cases. Read more about the causes for swollen lymph nodes in the body.
Myeloma
Myeloma is a type of cancer that targets the plasma cells of your body. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells that help to fight infection. In myeloma, cancer cells interfere with the normal production of antibodies, thus opening the body up to infection and weakening the immune system. Myeloma cells produce M protein, or an abnormal type of immunoglobulin, which can cause several problems such as kidney damage.
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
The most common symptom of myeloma is pain in the bones, usually felt in the ribs and back and made worse while moving. Anaemia, fatigue, shortness of breath during physical activities, repeated infections, and unexplained bleeding or bruising are also typical symptoms. The disease is diagnosed with the help of physical examination, bone marrow biopsy, Uren and blood tests, x-rays, and other specialised bone tests.
Chemotherapy, along with corticosteroids, are usually given to control the growth of the cancer cells. High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are also used to treat some patients who have no other serious problems. Experimental and new treatments are being developed all over the world.
Your doctor will be able to discuss all the treatment options that are suitable for you, including details of the latest clinical trials. Treatment for cancer, no matter what type, will have several unavoidable side effects. With the help of your oncologist and the healthcare team, you will be able to manage the treatment well. Read more about the 9 signs and symptoms of blood cancer you should know.
Photo source: Getty images
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
