Blood Cancer

 

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, affects the production and function of blood cells. It begins in the bone marrow, where blood is produced and leads to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells, which can interfere with normal blood cell function.

What Are the Types of Blood Cancer?

Leukemia

This cancer originates in the bone marrow and results in the production of abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with the body's ability to fight infection and impair the production of normal blood cells.

Lymphoma

This type of cancer affects the lymphatic system, particularly the lymph nodes and lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).

Myeloma

This cancer affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. Abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, leading to bone damage and impairing the production of normal blood cells.

What are the Symptoms of Blood Cancer?

• Persistent fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bone or joint pain

How is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?

• Blood Tests: A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test measures the levels of different blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. Abnormal levels can indicate the presence of blood cancer.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: hese procedures involve extracting a small amount of bone marrow tissue, usually from the hip bone, to examine the production and condition of blood cells. This test helps determine the presence of cancerous cells in the marrow.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans may be used to detect any masses, organ enlargement, or other changes within the body that could be related to blood cancer.

What are the Treatment Options for Blood Cancer?

• Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy may be given orally or intravenously.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
• Stem Cell Transplant: Also known as a bone marrow transplant, this procedure involves replacing diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. The stem cells can come from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant).
• Targeted Therapy: These drugs target specific abnormalities present within cancer cells. They can often be more precise and cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

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