Blood cancer types, diagnosis, and treatment
Blood cancer is a common term for all cancers that affect the cells in the blood, lymphatic system, and the bone marrow. As one of the most common types of cancers in the world, statistics show that almost every three minutes, a person in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer. Equally alarming reports show that children too are diagnosed with this form of cancer.

Here is some good-to-know information about blood cancer types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options:

What are the types of blood cancer?

• Leukemia is cancer found in the blood and bone marrow. This cancer develops due to an abnormally high growth rate of mutated white blood cells (WBCs), which hamper the body’s healthy cell function and prevent them from fighting infection.
• Lymphoma is cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system produces cells that maintain body immunity. In lymphoma, abnormal lymphocyte cells multiply rapidly and prevent the body’s immune system from fighting infection.
• Myeloma is cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, the fast-multiplying and mutated cancer cells hamper the smooth functioning of the body’s antibodies and end up leaving the body susceptible to infections.

What are the blood cancer symptoms to watch out for?

• The common symptoms of blood cancer include fever, night sweats, dizziness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.
• These symptoms are accompanied by a gradual weight loss over time and overall weakness.
• Patients may also notice swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, and the groin.
• Other external symptoms include mouth ulcers, development of red spots on the skin, and easy bruising.
• Women may suffer from heavier than normal periods.

It is important to note that not all types of blood cancers manifest noticeable symptoms immediately. For instance, in acute leukemia, symptoms go unnoticed for long until cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

Who can fall in a high-risk bracket for blood cancer?

• People with a family history of blood cancer or any other type of cancer.
• Individuals who have been exposed to certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatment for other cancers.
• Individuals who have been exposed to certain chemicals such as benzene, which is present in cigarette smoke, detergents, and supplies such as glue.
• Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, HIV, or AIDS.

How is blood cancer diagnosed?

• Tests to diagnose blood cancer include blood tests and a bone marrow test for lab analysis.
• Patients are also sent for an X-Ray, PET scan, and CT scans.
• The doctor may conduct a physical examination by checking the swelling in lymph nodes.
• Post all test results, the doctor will stage cancer to know if it is at a beginning or an advanced stage. This will determine the course of treatment.

What are the treatment options for blood cancer?

• The treatment for blood cancer depends on its type and how advanced in a stage it is.
• Chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously or orally. These drugs help kill cancer cells to stop them from multiplying.
• High doses of chemotherapy often mean that healthy cells too get destroyed after treatment. To overcome this, sometimes, patients are advised stem cell treatment.
• Radiotherapy involves using high-energy radiation to kill malignant cells. Radiotherapy is mainly used to treat lymphoma.
• In some cases, surgery is required. For blood cancer, the spleen is removed surgically.
• Certain newer treatments for cancer involve procedures such as immunotherapy which encourages the immune system to start fighting cancerous cells on its own.

Are there any side effects of blood cancer treatment?

• Common side effects of blood cancer treatment include a lowered blood cell count and thereby increased chances of infection, mouth ulcers, hair loss, and diarrhea.
• Some patients experience nausea and vomiting, after a session of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Studies have shown the side effects to be more severe when treatment is administered intravenously as compared to orally.