Blood Cancer - Types, Causes, Medications, Precautions, Symptoms

Source - Medanta

Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with the normal functioning of the blood cells.

There are three main types of blood cancer:

· Leukemia - This type of blood cancer affects the white blood cells and bone marrow. It causes abnormal production of white blood cells, which can interfere with the body's ability to fight infection.

· Lymphoma - This type of cancer affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out foreign substances and waste from the body. Lymphoma causes abnormal growth of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.

· Myeloma - This type of cancer affects the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies. Myeloma causes abnormal production of plasma cells, which can interfere with the body's ability to fight infection.

Blood cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, fever, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. Treatment for blood cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation.

(Source - ResearchGate)

Causes Of Blood Cancer

The exact causes of blood cancer are not fully understood, but there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing blood cancer:

· Genetic mutations: Changes or mutations in the DNA of blood cells can lead to the development of cancer.

· Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or viruses may increase the risk of developing blood cancer.

· Family history: People with a family history of blood cancer may be at a higher risk of developing the disease.

· Age: The risk of developing blood cancer increases with age.

· Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or immune deficiencies, may be at a higher risk of developing blood cancer.

· Lifestyle factors: Smoking, a diet high in fat, and a lack of physical activity may increase the risk of developing blood cancer.

It's important to note that in many cases, the exact cause of blood cancer is unknown, and many people who develop the disease do not have any known risk factors.

(Source - CFCH)

Medications To Cure Blood Cancer

The treatment for blood cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and other factors such as the patient's age and overall health. The main treatments for blood cancer are:

· Chemotherapy: This treatment involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given orally or intravenously and may be administered in cycles.

· Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

· Stem cell transplantation: This procedure involves the transplantation of healthy stem cells into the patient's body to replace damaged or diseased cells.

· Targeted therapy: This treatment uses drugs or other substances that specifically target cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells.

· Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells.

It's important to note that the choice of treatment will depend on various factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health. Treatment may also involve a combination of these therapies, and the course of treatment may need to be adjusted over time based on the patient's response to treatment.

Precautions To Prevent From Blood Cancer

There is no guaranteed way to prevent blood cancer, but there are several steps that may help to reduce the risk of developing the disease:

· Avoid exposure to toxins: Try to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, such as benzene, which is found in gasoline, solvents, and other industrial products.

· Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of developing blood cancer.

· Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated fat may help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

· Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity may help to reduce the risk of developing blood cancer.

· Get vaccinated: Vaccines can help to prevent infections that may increase the risk of developing blood cancer, such as the hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus (HPV).

· Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help to detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

· Know your family history: If you have a family history of blood cancer, talk to your healthcare professional about whether you should be screened more frequently or have genetic testing.

It's important to note that while these steps may help to reduce the risk of developing blood cancer, they do not guarantee that someone will not develop the disease

Symptoms Of Blood Cancer

The symptoms of blood cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Some common symptoms of blood cancer include:

· Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak, even after getting enough rest.

· Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying, or losing a significant amount of weight.

· Frequent infections: Getting sick frequently or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses.

· Bruising or bleeding easily: Developing bruises or bleeding easily, even from minor injuries.

· Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath, even during normal activities.

· Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes may become swollen and feel tender to the touch.

· Night sweats: Experiencing excessive sweating during the night, often to the point of soaking through clothes or sheets.

· Pain or discomfort in bones or joints: Pain or discomfort in bones or joints, which may be a sign that cancer has spread to the bones.

(Source - Byju's)

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms.

Written by - Narayanamanikandan B