What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer can develop when cancer begins to develop in blood-forming tissues. Red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and bone marrow are all blood-forming issues. When the growth of abnormal blood cells is out of proportion in the body, it can impair blood cell functionality. It begins with a decrease in the production of infection-fighting and new blood cells. Most blood cancers are hematologic cancers, which begin in the bone marrow and spread throughout the body.
Every year, approximately 8 lakh new cancer cases are diagnosed in India. Out of which 70,000-80,000 are blood cancer cases. Every year, India ranks third in the world in blood cancer cases, trailing only the United States and China.
Types of Blood Cancer:
There are two main verticals. However, these three can be further subcategorized.
A type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and blood. This is the most common type. When the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells, it interferes with the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells and platelets.
i) Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:
This type of blood cancer develops in the lymphatic system from cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that aids the body in fighting both external and internal infections.
ii) Hodgkin Lymphoma:
Hodgkin’s disease Lymphoma develops when the lymphatic system produces abnormal lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells.
Why is Complete Blood Count (CBC) done?
To review your overall health:
As part of a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia or leukemia.
To diagnose a medical condition:
If you’re experiencing weakness, fatigue, fever, inflammation, bruising, or bleeding, a complete blood count may help to diagnose the cause of these signs and symptoms.
Causes of Blood Cancer:
While there are no proven causes, there are some definite factors that play a significant role:
Alcohol:
Occasional drinking does not hamper your health. However, excessive alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system. It can also prevent the formation of new cells in the bone marrow.
Tobacco:
Tobacco is a cancer-causing element. Tobacco use in any form can lead to cancer. Tobacco weakens the immune system and can alter a person’s DNA, making them vulnerable to various diseases and cancers.
Genetic:
You are more likely to develop blood cancer if you have a family history of hematological diseases.
Symptoms:
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Rashes on Skin
- Itchy skin
- Night sweats
- Bone/joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden unexplained
- weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Swelling in lymph
- nodes of the neck, underarms, or groin
Treatment Of Blood Cancer:
Several factors can influence blood cancer treatment. It is primarily determined by age, the rate at which cancer develops, the location, and the type of cancer. However, some treatments are widely used.
Stem Cell Transplant:
Stem cells can be found in the umbilical cord, bone marrow, and blood. Healthy blood-forming stem cells are extracted from the donor and infused into the patient’s blood in stem cell transplants.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments of cancer. This includes introducing anticancer drugs into the body to prevent cancerous cells from developing. Following a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy may sometimes be required.
Radiation Therapy:
Radiations are used to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can also be used to relieve patients’ pain. Radiation therapy is sometimes used before stem cell transplants.
It falls under the Hematology department. Dr. S.K Gupta at Hematology and BMT Institute International is one of the best hematologists in India. His expertise and knowledge in blood and bone marrow disorders are unparalleled. He has 15 years of experience and believes that timely diagnosis, proper guidance, and effective treatment are the foundations of the battle against blood cancer.
Hematology and BMT Institute International is well known in India. The team of experts specializes in hematology or blood-related diseases. The clinic is located in Hyderabad and envisions accessible and reliable medical treatments.
