Blood cancer is one of the common types of cancers, involving its own classifications. By definition, blood cancer is when blood cells begin to grow out of control. Typically, this condition takes place in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the fatty, soft tissue in the medullary cavities of bones.
This tissue accounts for forming billions of red blood cells regularly. Also, it creates platelets and white blood cells. Problems with bone marrow may hinder the process of red blood cells carrying oxygen, white blood cells preventing infections, or platelet regulating bleeding. Get an expert consultation at the top cancer hospital in Siliguri.
Common Types of Blood Cancers
Leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma are the most common kinds of blood cancers. Changes or mutations in the DNA of the blood cells let blood cells act abnormally.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a malignant growth in the blood-forming tissues. Such cancer type affects the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Among its various forms, some affect children. Adults are at risk of other variations of leukemia. Basically, this medical condition involves white blood cells. Early signs may resemble common flu.
Signs & Symptoms
- Unexplained fatigue that persists
- Persistent weakness
- Fever, chills
- Small but visible red spots on the skin
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Liver enlargement
- Ongoing nosebleeds
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained sweating, especially at night
- Bone tenderness or pain
- Unintended weight loss
Myeloma
Myeloma, also termed multiple myeloma, is when healthy plasma cells start to multiply abnormally. Now cancer growth prevents the formation of helpful antibodies, leading to the formation of abnormal proteins. Multiple myeloma tends to be a progressive condition.
Signs & Symptoms
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Bone Pain
- Weight loss
- Pain felt in the chest
- Excessive thirst
- Ongoing infections
- Weakness or numbness in the legs
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Fatigue
Lymphoma
The lymphatic system is your body’s germ-combating network, including lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. Lymphoma is a malignant development of the lymphatic system. Mutation in blood cells causes cells to multiply. Talk to one of the leading oncologists at the best cancer hospital in Siliguri.
Signs & Symptoms
- Fatigue that persists
- Itchy skin
- Unintended weight loss
- Fever
- Swelling of lymph nodes without pain
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
For all three of these blood cancer types, the exact cause remains unknown. Doctors may order and perform a set of diagnostic tests, such as – a physical examination, knowing your symptoms, blood tests, reviewing medical history, biopsy, CT scans, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, PET scan.
Treatment depends upon several factors, like your age, stage of cancer, or location of cancerous growth. Medical care options can be chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Reach out to your medical expert on early notice of such symptoms. Have optimal healing under medical supervision.