Blood cancer, also known as hematologic malignancies or leukemia, is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells form in the tissues related to the body’s blood-forming system. While there are many different types of blood cancers and symptoms vary from person to person, early detection can play an important role in access to successful treatments.
In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need pertaining to the common signs and symptoms associated with different types of blood cancer that you should be aware of as you manage your health journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Blood cancer, also known as hematologic malignancies or leukemia, is a group of diseases caused by genetic abnormalities that cause uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells.
- There are three main types: Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. Symptoms include fatigue, frequent bruising/bleeding, fever without an apparent cause and swollen lymph nodes in the neck/armpits/groin area among others.
- Risk factors for developing blood cancers include age over 60 years old; family history; exposure to radiation or certain chemicals; weakened immune system due to other medical conditions or treatments such as chemotherapy and some genetic disorders & blood diseases.
- Diagnosis involves physical examinations along with tests like Blood Tests (to measure markers related to the disease), Genetic Testing (to detect mutations in genes associated with certain types of Blood Cancer) & Biopsy Procedures (obtaining samples from affected tissue). Imaging studies may be used too depending on the suspected type of cancer.
- The latest treatments for Blood Cancers involve Targeted Therapy using drugs targeting specific molecules involved in cell growth & survival. Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, Stem Cell Transplantation replaces person’s disease
What are the types of blood cancer?
Blood cancer is a broad term used to describe various types of cancer that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems.
The three main types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that results from the abnormal growth of white blood cells in the body. It can be classified into four main subtypes: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is another type of blood cancer that begins in the white blood cells called lymphocytes found in both your bloodstream as well as your immune system’s tissue such as the spleen, thymus gland, and tonsils. There are two broad categories: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Myeloma
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer where malignant plasma cells grow uncontrollably within the bone marrow leading to damage to bones, other organs, or protein levels which may cause kidney failure.
Symptoms of Blood Cancer
– Unexplained fatigue
– Unusual, frequent bruising or bleeding
– Fever without an apparent cause
– Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin area
– Bone pain or tenderness
– Weight loss for no known reason
– Shortness of breath, chest pain or a persistent cough not due to a cold
– Pale skin and other symptoms of anemia such as weakness and dizziness
– Night sweats
What are the causes of blood cancer?
Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the blood cells and can affect any blood cell line such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. It is caused by genetic abnormalities that cause uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells. These mutations may be inherited from parents or acquired during life due to exposure to certain environmental factors such as radiation and chemicals.
Additionally, blood cancers are sometimes caused by changes in lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity which increase the risk of developing a blood disorder. Other causes include infections with certain viruses and bacteria which have been linked to some types of lymphoma (a type of blood cancer).
In some cases, there is no known cause for why a person gets blood cancer. Treatments for this condition vary depending on the type and stage of the disease but generally involve chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapies involving immunotherapies or other drugs administered intravenously.
At what age does blood cancer occur?
Blood cancer can occur at any age, though the median age for a blood cancer diagnosis is about 65. While blood cancers are more common in adults than children, around 10 percent of blood cancer cases involve pediatric patients.
Who is at risk of blood cancers?
Anyone can be at risk of getting blood cancer, but certain factors can increase the risk. Those with a family history of blood cancer are more likely to develop it, as well as individuals over the age of 60. Additionally, those who have been exposed to radiation or certain chemicals may be at increased risk for blood cancer. A weakened immune system due to other medical conditions or treatments such as chemotherapy also puts people at a higher risk for blood cancers. Finally, some genetic disorders and blood diseases can increase the chances that somebody will develop blood cancer.
How do you diagnose blood cancer?
Diagnosing blood cancer typically involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, genetic testing, biopsy procedures, and other imaging studies.
Blood tests are commonly used to measure markers related to the disease such as abnormal red or white blood cells and levels of hemoglobin.
Genetic testing can also be used to detect mutations in genes associated with certain types of blood cancer.
In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to obtain a sample of the affected tissue that is then analyzed for signs of cancerous cells.
Imaging studies such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to look for tumor growth or metastasis in nearby organs or tissues.
Other diagnostic tools like X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans may also be used depending on the suspected type of cancer.
What is the latest treatment for blood cancers?
The latest treatments for blood cancer include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and CAR T-cell therapy.
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in blood cancer cell growth and survival. Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Stem Cell Transplantation involves replacing a person’s diseased bone marrow with healthy cells from a donor or their own blood or bone marrow.
CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor) therapy is an emerging form of immunotherapy where doctors reprogram patients’ white blood cells to recognize and fight blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
These treatments are making blood cancers ever more treatable, giving those affected hope for improved outcomes in their fight against this deadly disease.
Are blood cancers curable?
Yes, blood cancers can be curable. Depending on the type, blood cancer treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and/or other types of treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Early diagnosis is critical for blood cancer patients; if found early enough blood cancers can often be cured or managed effectively with few long-term side effects.
However, some blood cancers are more difficult to cure than others and require different types of treatments aimed at managing the disease and extending life expectancy.
In any case, it’s important to learn about your specific type of blood cancer so you can make informed decisions about treatment options that best suit your needs.
How can a blood cancer specialist help?
A blood cancer specialist, also known as a hematologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other blood cancers.
A blood cancer specialist is trained to diagnose, treat and manage the symptoms of blood cancers using medications, radiation therapy or stem cell transplantation. They can provide advice on living with blood cancer and help find clinical trials or new treatments available for those diagnosed with the disease.
Additionally, they can refer patients to mental health counselors or support groups if needed. Blood cancer specialists often work closely with other medical practitioners such as oncologists, surgeons or radiation therapists in order to provide comprehensive care for those affected by blood cancers.
Can I consult a blood cancer specialist online?
Yes, you can consult a hematologist online through telemedicine. Telemedicine is gaining more popularity as it allows patients to get an online consult with a hematologist and discuss their medical concerns from the comfort of their homes.
With access to cutting-edge technology, hematologists are able to assess symptoms and make recommendations for treatment plans or further investigations over the phone or via video chat.
This is especially helpful for individuals who have difficulty in traveling long distances due to mobility issues or time constraints.
While online consultations do not replace conventional visits with a hematologist, they provide timely care in situations when you may need a quick answer about your condition urgently and cannot wait until the next visit.
Additionally, hematologists offering virtual consultations often have extended hours that can better fit around your busy schedule outside regular office hours.
Book an online appointment with Dr. Martin Perlin, MD
While blood cancer can present in many different ways and symptoms vary from person to person, early detection is key in accessing successful treatments. If you have any concerns about your risk for blood cancer or would like to get checked out, book an appointment with our resident hematologist, Dr. Martin Perlin, MD, to know more about your treatment options.
BLOG AUTHOR
Dr. Ismail Sayeed
Dr. Sayeed is the Medical Director of ViOS, Inc. He is a deeply committed physician entrepreneur & medical blog writer. While building the global infrastructure of the VIOS Clinic, he is dedicated to educate people on the potential of specialist telemedicine for managing chronic diseases.
Read more about him in his author bio