Early detection and informed actions can make a significant difference in blood cancer treatment. Here’s everything you need to know!
Blood cancer is a major threat to blood cells and bone marrow in the body. Bone marrow is a soft tissue present inside your bones where blood cells are made. These blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, combat infections, and controlling excessive bleeding. Several factors can contribute to blood cancer. This includes risk factors like genetics, age, lifestyle choices, smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Symptoms of Blood Cancer
According to Dr. Muralidaran C, Consultant Hematologist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, “In some cases, the symptoms of blood cancer may not be as visible until it starts to advance. The intensity of these symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the type of blood cancer they have. This may include symptoms like night sweats, feeling tired easily, persistent fever, unintended weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, cuts or bruises, bone pain, difficulty in breathing, pale or yellowish skin, joint pain, and anemia due to lack of red blood cells in the body. Recognizing these symptoms can help detect blood cancer at its early stage.”
Types of Blood Cancer
- Leukemia: It is a type of blood cancer that originally begins in the bone marrow and the blood. Leukemia occurs when white blood cells start to multiply abnormally. This significantly affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells and platelets in the body. It can be categorized further into acute leukemia (develops slowly) and chronic leukemia (progresses rapidly).
- Lymphoma: There are two types of lymphoma cancer namely Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This specific type of blood cancer negatively affects the lymph nodes and lymphatic system in the body. The lymphatic system includes networks of vessels lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland. These vessels are responsible for storing and encouraging the blood cells to fight off infections or diseases in your body.
- Multiple Myeloma: This cancer occurs when the plasma cells abnormally start to multiply, leading to tumors in the bone marrow and the bones. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to combat several infections. If overlooked it can lead to complications like bone damage, anemia, and even kidney problems due to excessive production of abnormal production.