Blood cancer disrupts both the process by which your body generates blood cells and the efficiency with which those cells function. The bone marrow is a sponge like tissue that is present in the middle of the bone. Usually this is the part where the blood related disorders begin. The bone marrow produces cells that further produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The normal functioning of the blood cells help in transporting oxygen all over the body and also helps in controlling blood loss in case of any injury. When there is blood cancer or any blood disorders it can alter the functioning of the blood cells and other various concerns.
What are the common signs and symptoms of blood cancer or leukemia?
Usually the blood cancer signs and symptoms depend on the type of the blood cancer. But the common signs include:
- Constant fever
- Severe fatigue
- Nights sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden bruising
- Constant infections
- Swollen lymph nodes
Many of the signs and symptoms of blood cancer are the same as those of other, less dangerous illnesses. Blood cancer isn’t always caused by any of these signs. If you notice any signs visit a blood cancer specialist in Coimbatore immediately.
What are the types of blood cancer that are commonly seen?
Lymphoma:
This cancer type affects the lymph nodes and the spleen. Lymphoma is separated into two types named Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma:
The B cells are hurt by this kind of cancer. It happens to people in their teens or older age groups.
Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma:
Most of the time, it affects B-cells or T-cells. This kind of cancer happens more often than Hodgkin’s. Clinically and diagnostically, they can range from ones that grow slowly to ones that spread quickly.
Myeloma:
Multiple myeloma starts in the bone marrow’s plasma cells. Majority of them are the white blood cells. Usually affects people over the age of 50, and usually men are highly affected by this.
Leukemia:
When the person is affected by leukemia, the body doesn’t produce WBCs or white blood cells that are needed to fight the infection. Leukemia is divided into different types depending on the rate of their growth.
What are the stages that blood cancer is divided into?
Blood cancer is classified into four phases. The stages are determined by doctors based on metastasis. Scientists use many scales to analyze the spread.
Stage 1:
This is the starting stage of blood cancer. As a result of constant infections the lymph nodes begin to swell. At this stage the risk factors are less and almost negligible.
Stage 2:
At this stage, the cancer metastases to the liver and spleen and they begin to swell. The lymphocytes are multiplied out of proportion.
Stage 3:
In this stage, the affected organs start to spread to other vital body organs. The bones and bone marrow are the first targets to get contaminated.
Stage 4:
This is referred to as the last stage of blood cancer. At this point the patient is affected by acute anemia. The patient’s red blood cells and white blood cells begin to drop drastically.
Can blood cancer be completely cured?
When a patient is affected by blood cancer, the major question that arises is, “Is blood cancer curable?”
Blood cancer is one type of cancer that has a high curability rate, owing to medical advancements, the advanced chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and various other blood cancer treatment options.
A timely diagnosis, particularly an early diagnosis, improves the odds of curing blood cancer. The patient is then advised to obtain the necessary treatment, followed by adequate care following treatment completion.
The factors that impact the treatment of blood cancer:
- Age of the patient
- Overall health of the patient
- Any other health related issues
- Acute or chronic blood cancer
- The stage of blood cancer
- The organs affected by the blood cancer
What are the treatment options offered to treat blood cancer?
Blood cancer can be treated with various options including the newest and oldest methods depending on various factors,
Chemotherapy:
This is the most critical component of blood cancer treatment, and it entails utilizing specific chemicals to eliminate cells that cause cancer in the patient’s body. The prescribed drugs are administered within a specific time frame in order to achieve the greatest possible improvement in the patient’s health. A stem cell transplant is given to some patients in addition to high-dose chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy aids in the complete destruction of the cancer cells using the high radiation energy waves targeting only a single part of the body. Radiation therapy highly benefits lymphoma patients.
Bone marrow transplant:
In this procedure healthy bone marrow from donors who match their blood type and other criteria is taken. And placed in the people with blood cancers.
What are the tips to follow to avoid the risk of blood cancer?
Cancers generally occur due to changes in their genes. So this cannot be prevented but there are few other tips can be followed:
- Avoids contact with chemicals
- History of blood cancer in the family
- Limiting exposure to radiation
Important Takeaway:
Medical progress has enhanced the chances of recovery of blood cancer. Blood cancer can be cured if it is detected early and treated effectively. In case you notice any abnormal signs, reach out to a hematologist in Coimbatore to ensure a complete recovery.
