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Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow, often resulting from DNA abnormalities that disrupt the normal growth and function of the cells. Examples include leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MPNs, and MDS. While myeloma targets plasma cells, lymphoma attacks lymphocytes, and leukaemia involves the abnormal development of white blood cells. While MDS interferes with blood cell maturation, MPNs cause excessive blood cell production.
These mutations cause unchecked cell proliferation, which leads to the accumulation of damaged cells in the bone marrow and blood. While symptoms can vary, they may include bruises, infections, and exhaustion. Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation are among the available treatment options. For better results and efficient administration, early detection is essential. Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, has a team of experienced oncologists proficient in providing comprehensive blood cancer treatment and care services to its patients.
DNA abnormalities in blood cells lead to uncontrolled cell growth and impaired function, resulting in blood cancer. These genetic changes can be influenced by factors such as genetics, exposure to certain chemicals, or radiation, and sometimes have unknown causes.
Even though blood cancers are less lethal than some other cancer kinds, they are nevertheless significant illnesses. The National Cancer Institute's data indicates a steady decrease in the death rates from blood cancer. This trend has been aided by developments in early detection and treatment. Nonetheless, they continue to pose serious health risks, requiring all-encompassing treatment and management strategies. Research must continue to battle these diseases and enhance survival rates.
There are three main kinds of blood cancer—leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma—each with several subtypes.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and acute myeloid leukaemia are all types of leukaemia. There are several subtypes of lymphoma, including non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma. Amyloidosis, plasmacytoma, and multiple myelomas are examples of myelomas. Over the past few decades, survival rates for many tumours have considerably increased, indicating breakthroughs in treatment.
Fatigue, recurrent fever, and intense night sweats are frequent symptoms of blood malignancy that are shared by leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Not to be ignored are unusual bleeding, sudden loss of weight, and recurrent infections. Potential symptoms include an enlarged liver or spleen, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes, though these can also be signs of less serious conditions. It is advisable to seek medical care if symptoms linger for more than a few weeks.
Various risk factors increase the chances of developing blood cancer. These include having a family history of blood cancer, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, previous cancer treatment, smoking, certain genetic disorders, and infections with certain viruses.
Healthcare professionals evaluate patients' symptoms and medical history, along with conducting diagnostic tests to identify blood cancer. Cell counts and chemical levels are examined using blood tests, such as CBC and blood chemistry testing. Tissue and bone abnormalities are found using imaging tests such as CT, MRI, and PET.
To examine the composition of the marrow and identify DNA alterations, bone marrow biopsies are essential. The identification of cell abnormalities is facilitated by microscopic investigations of blood cells. These diagnostic measures make accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for blood cancer possible.
Blood cancer treatment differs according to cancer type, patient age, and general health. Stem Cell Transplants, CAR T-cell treatment, Immunotherapy, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Targeted Therapy are examples of common treatment approaches. Radiation harms the DNA of aberrant cells, while Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells. Targeted Therapy focuses on the genetic alterations that cause cancer to spread, whereas Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system to combat the disease. Healthy cells are substituted for damaged bone marrow in Stem Cell Transplants. Medical professionals customise treatment plans to minimise negative effects and maximise treatment effectiveness.
Treatment for blood cancer typically results in a complete remission of the disease. If a cure isn't achievable, several treatments can cause remission, which removes cancer symptoms and signs for a long time. Remission rates for several blood malignancies have increased due to advancements in treatment choices. Successful treatment outcomes depend on medicines tailored according to the kind of cancer and individual characteristics. To address any potential recurrence and sustain remission, routine monitoring and follow-up care are crucial.
The prognosis for blood cancer patients varies widely based on the stage of blood cancer at the time of diagnosis, the specific type of blood cancer, the patient’s overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. Some blood cancers have high survival rates with modern treatment approaches.
There is no sure way to prevent blood cancer, but reducing exposure to known risk factors, such as avoiding smoking and harmful chemicals, may help lower the risk of developing this cancer.
Bone Marrow Transplants (or Stem Cell Transplants) can replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy cells, potentially curing the cancer or prolonging remission.
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