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What You Need to Know About Blood Cancer

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7 views

What You Need to Know About Blood Cancer

Uploaded by

MaJid Moveer
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What You Need to Know About Blood Cancer

Blood Cancer Treatment in India


Blood cancer arises when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably in blood-forming tissues, such as the bone
marrow. This uncontrolled growth can interfere with the production and function of healthy blood cells, leading to
various health complications. Hematologic cancers, which include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma,
primarily originate in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body.

In India, approximately 800,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with 70,000 to 80,000 of those being
blood cancer cases. This positions India as having the third-highest incidence of blood cancer globally, following the
United States and China.

Types of Blood Cancer


Blood cancer primarily falls into two main categories: Leukemia and Lymphoma. Each of these categories can be
further subcategorized.

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer, originating in the bone marrow and blood. It occurs when the
body produces an excess of abnormal white blood cells, which interferes with the bone marrow's ability to produce
healthy red blood cells and platelets.

●​ Acute Leukemia: Rapid progression and requires immediate treatment.


○​ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Common in children, involves lymphocytes.
○​ Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): More common in adults, affects myeloid cells.
●​ Chronic Leukemia: Slower progression, may not require immediate treatment.
○​ Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Primarily affects older adults and involves the
accumulation of mature lymphocytes.
○​ Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Characterized by the overproduction of myeloid cells.

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer that develops from lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune
response. It primarily affects the lymphatic system.
●​ Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): This encompasses a diverse group of blood cancers that do not involve
Reed-Sternberg cells. It can be aggressive or indolent (slow-growing) and includes various subtypes, such
as:
○​ Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): The most common type of NHL, typically aggressive.
○​ Follicular Lymphoma: Usually indolent but can transform into aggressive forms.
●​ Hodgkin Lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, this type has a more
predictable pattern of spread and is generally considered more treatable than non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It
typically presents in young adults and can be subcategorized into:
○​ Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma: The most common subtype.
○​ Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin Lymphoma: Contains a variety of immune cells.

Reasons for a Complete Blood Count (CBC)


A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that provides valuable information about your overall health
and can help diagnose various medical conditions. Here are the main reasons why a CBC is performed:

1.​ To Review Overall Health​


A CBC helps assess your general health and can be part of a routine check-up. It provides insights into
various components of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are crucial
for maintaining health.
2.​ To Diagnose a Medical Condition​
A CBC can help identify various medical conditions, including:
○​ Anemia (low red blood cell count)
○​ Infections (high white blood cell count)
○​ Blood cancers (like leukemia and lymphoma)
○​ Inflammation and other disorders affecting blood cells
3.​ To Monitor a Medical Condition and Treatment​
For individuals with existing health issues, a CBC is used to monitor the progression of a disease and the
effectiveness of treatment. It can help assess how well the body is responding to treatments like
chemotherapy, as well as track any potential side effects affecting blood cell production.

Causes of Blood Cancer


While the exact causes of blood cancer are not fully understood, several factors are believed to significantly
contribute to its development:

1.​ Alcohol Consumption​


While occasional drinking may not harm health, excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune
system and hinder the production of new blood cells in the bone marrow, increasing the risk of blood cancer.
2.​ Tobacco Use​
Tobacco is a well-known carcinogen. The use of tobacco in any form can increase the likelihood of
developing various types of cancer, including blood cancer. It weakens the immune system and can damage
DNA, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
3.​ Genetic Factors​
A family history of hematological diseases can elevate the risk of blood cancer. Individuals with relatives who
have had blood cancers are more likely to develop these conditions themselves.

Symptoms of Blood Cancer


Patients with blood cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
●​ Fever
●​ Chills
●​ Headaches
●​ Weakness
●​ Fatigue
●​ Loss of appetite
●​ Nausea
●​ Shortness of breath
●​ Rashes on skin
●​ Itchy skin
●​ Night sweats
●​ Bone or joint pain
●​ Abdominal pain
●​ Sudden unexplained weight loss
●​ Frequent infections
●​ Swelling in lymph nodes (in the neck, underarms, or groin)

Treatment of Blood Cancer


The treatment for blood cancer varies based on factors such as age, the speed of cancer progression, the cancer's
location, and its type. Here are some common treatment options:

Stem Cell Transplant

Healthy blood-forming stem cells are extracted from a donor (from umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, or circulating
blood) and infused into the patient's bloodstream to help restore healthy blood production.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using anticancer drugs to stop the growth of cancerous cells. This treatment is frequently
used and may also be necessary after a stem cell transplant.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can provide pain relief for patients and may
be administered before a stem cell transplant.

If you’re looking for specialized care, Dr. Vikas Dua is a highly regarded pediatric hematologist in India. With over 20
years of experience in blood and bone marrow disorders, he emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis, effective
guidance, and appropriate treatment in the fight against blood cancer.

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