Blood cancers – Its types and treatment options Everyone Must Know

Blood cancer otherwise hematologic cancers are normally found in the bone marrow where blood is produced. When there is an abnormal growth of blood cells which grows at a faster rate and interrupts the functioning of blood cells which fights against infection and also produces new blood cells. The blood cancer is classified into three main types which are:

  • Leukemia: It occurs in the bone marrow as well as in the blood. When you have leukemia, it will produce abnormal white blood cells and also obstruct the bone marrow in producing red blood cells as well as platelets. 
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: It normally develops in the lymphatic system from cells called lymphocytes which are also a white blood cell that helps the body in its fight against infections.
  • Hodgkin lymphoma: This type of cancer develops in the lymphatic system which is called lymphocytes. 

Risks:

The risk factors for blood cancer are as follows:

  • Smoking
  • Exposure of Chemical 
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Exposure to Radiation 
  • Certain blood disorders
  • Genetic 

Symptoms:

The symptoms of blood cancer are as follows: 

  • Fever, chills
  • Loss of appetite, nausea
  • Persistent fatigue, weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Bone/joint pain
  • Night sweats
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Itchy skin or skin rash
  • Frequent infections
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin

When the symptom persists, it is ideal to visit the best cancer hospital in Delhi who will do a detailed diagnosis. If it is positive, they will start with the blood cancer treatment. Normally, it is found through blood tests. It involves several tests that will be done with your blood samples. Some of the tests done to diagnose blood cancer are full blood count, infection screening/virology testing, liver function tests, peripheral blood film, urea electrolytes, flow cytometry (immunophenotyping) and cytogenetic testing. There are no specific causes for blood cancer. 

Treatment: 

The blood cancer treatment differs from person to person. It will be based on the type of cancer, the speed at which cancer is spreading, age, where cancer has spread, etc. Normally, the treatment will involve the following:

  • Stem cell transplantation: In this type, healthy blood-forming stem cells are infused into your body. It is collected from the bone marrow, circulating blood as well as umbilical cord blood.
  • Chemotherapy: In this type of treatment, the anticancer drugs interfere and stop the growth of cancer cells. It might sometimes involve several drugs to be given together in a set regimen. Even before stem cell transplantation, this treatment will be given.
  • Radiation therapy: This helps in destroying cancer cells or to relieve discomfort or pain. This treatment will also be given before stem cell transplantation. 

When you have the symptoms, it is advisable that you immediately get in touch with the best cancer hospital in Delhi. They will provide you with proper diagnosis and if found positive, they will also help you in planning your treatment. It is also advisable to have a second opinion and then to start with your treatment. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *