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Blood Cancer Symptoms

Writer : Dr. Naskan

When blood cells turn abnormal or malignant, the condition is referred to as blood cancer. The bone marrow, where blood cells are made, is the most common site of origin for most of these cancers. Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma are the three main types of blood cancer.

Most blood cancers do not form solid lumps, unlike most other cancers (tumors). The symptoms of blood cancer are also non-specific and resemble the symptoms of other diseases, making them difficult to distinguish from other illnesses.

Blood is made up of a variety of components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.

  • Oxygen is transported throughout the body by red blood cells.
  • Antibodies are formed by white blood cells, which are found in the body's immune system.
  • In blood clotting, platelet cells (also known as platelets) play a key role.
  • As a carrier of blood cells, proteins, and nutrients, blood plasma removes metabolic waste from the body and transports them throughout the body.

Having an abnormally low or high number of blood components can have a negative impact on the functioning of other organs in the body.

Symptoms of Blood Cancer

Depending on the type of blood cancer, patients may experience a wide range of symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from those of other conditions, such as the flu, because they are so similar. However, the following are the most common signs and symptoms:

  • Fever and chills.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Constipation or difficulty defecating.
  • Sore throat.
  • Headache.
  • The body gets tired easily.
  • Sweating at night.
  • Weight decreased drastically.
  • Red spots appear on the skin.
  • Frequently infected.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
  • Pain in the joints and bones, especially the spine or breastbone.
  • Easy bruising and bleeding, such as nosebleeds.
  • Hard to breathe.

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they occur frequently or do not improve, you should see a doctor. An examination by a physician is performed in an effort to detect disease early and treat it effectively.

A hematologist (blood doctor) is expected to remain involved in the care of patients with blood cancer, whether they are currently undergoing treatment or have finished it. This is meant to keep an eye on the disease's progress, so that it can be spotted early if it reappears.

There is a link between smoking and the development of blood cancers. Consult your doctor right away if you're trying to quit smoking but finding it difficult.

Blood cancer can also be caused by exposure to nuclear radiation and chemicals in the workplace. Regular medical exams for employees are mandated by company policy. Each and every employee must adhere to this.

Causes of Blood Cancer

When the body's own white blood cells undergo genetic mutations, the result is leukemia. Cells become abnormal and uncontrollably grow as a result of these alterations. Cancer-infected blood cells lack the ability to clot blood and fight infection, unlike normal blood cells.

Blood cancer can be divided into three categories based on the type of blood cell and the location of the cancer.

Leukemia

Deficiencies in bone marrow cell development are the primary cause of leukemia. Instead of aiding the body's ability to fight infection, leukemia cells remain in the body and suppress the growth of other blood cells.

Leukemia cells enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs of the body when their number rises. Th

Lymphoma

In order to fight infection and eliminate metabolic waste products, lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, are targeted by lymphomas. There are lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen, and almost every part of the body, including the bone marrow.

Lymphocytes in lymphoma patients undergo mutations and uncontrolled growth. Cancer can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infection.

Multiple myeloma

Myeloma attacks plasmocytes, which are the white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infection. The patient is more vulnerable to infection when antibody production is disrupted.

When abnormal plasma cells first appear in the bone marrow and quickly multiply, it is known as multiple myeloma. In addition to producing antibodies that harm organs like the bones and kidneys, these abnormal cells continue to proliferate in the body.

Blood Cancer Risk Factors

However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing blood cancer that are not yet known. These include:

  • Male sex.
  • Over 55 years of age.
  • Have a family who suffers from blood cancer.
  • Suffering from immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS.
  • Taking immunosuppressant drugs.
  • Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus or pylori.
  • Exposure to chemical compounds, such as pesticides.
  • Have a smoking habit.

Diagnosis of Blood Cancer 

Following a thorough medical history and physical examination, the doctor will look for symptoms of blood cancer, such as pale skin caused by anemia and swelling in the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen.

In order to diagnose blood cancer, the doctor will conduct the following tests:

Blood test 

the number of red, white, and platelet blood cells will be determined by the doctor's complete blood count As a result, abnormally shaped blood cells and an abnormally high or low number of blood cells will raise the likelihood of blood cancer.

Serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation as well as a complete blood count will be performed by the doctor in order to detect multiple myeloma and the aggressiveness of cancer cells. Blood tests for kidney function, calcium levels, and uric acid levels are also done in patients with multiple myeloma.

Bone marrow

aspiration An aspiration of bone marrow is done using a needle to extract a small amount of tissue from the patient's bone marrow. In order to identify the specific type of blood cancer attacking the patient, a sample of the tissue will be examined in a lab.

lymph node

A biopsy is done by removing a small amount of tissue from a swollen lymph node for microscopic examination.

Blood Cancer Treatment

After a blood cancer diagnosis has been confirmed, the doctor will sit down with the patient and go over the next steps in the treatment process. The type of cancer, age, and overall health of the patient all influence the treatment options available.

  • For example, chlorambucil, a drug that is administered to kill cancer cells. This medication can be taken either orally or intravenously.
  • Uses special light radiation to destroy cancer cells and inhibit their growth. Radiation therapy.
  • Transplantation of healthy bone marrow in place of diseased bone marrow.

Complications of Blood

Cancer If left untreated, blood cancer can lead to a variety of life-threatening issues. Some of the issues that arise are as follows:

  • Due to a lack of white blood cells, the body is frequently infected.
  • Brain, lung, stomach, and intestine bleeding are particularly dangerous because they can be life-threatening if they occur.
  • Bone problems such as pain, calcification, and fractures are all common.
  • Kidney disease, kidney failure, or a combination of the two.

Prevention of Blood Cancer

Blood cancer can't be prevented. although the risk of developing this disease can be minimized through:

  • Giving up the habit of smoking.
  • Consume more nutritious and healthy foods.
  • Exercise on a regular basis to help you stay at your ideal weight.
  • When working with radiation or chemical compounds like formalin, pesticides, or benzene, make sure to follow safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

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