The cancer of blood is commonly known as Leukemia. Cancer is a form of mutation i.e, cells of a specific area start to grow and divide into new cells. This mutation of blood cells is known as Leukemia. It can originate in the blood as well as the bone marrow.
Types:
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): is a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system from cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are the main type of immune cells (white blood cells), that help our body fight infections.
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: is a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system from cells called lymphocytes. Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of an abnormal lymphocyte called the Reed-Sternberg cell.
- Multiple Myeloma: is a blood cancer that begins in the blood's plasma cells, it's a type of white blood cell that's made in our bone marrow.
Symptoms:
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Stomach ache
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
Hodgkin lymphoma:
- Swelling in lymph nodes of neck, armpits or groin.
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe itching
- Night sweats
Multiple myeloma:
Symptoms may not be present or may be non-specific, such as loss of appetite, bone pain and fever. Some more common symptoms of multiple myeloma are;
- Constipation
- Hypercalcemia
- Increased risk of infection
- Kidney damage
- Weight loss
Dizziness, bleeding, easy bruising, frequent infections, mouth ulcers, nosebleeds, pallor, red spots on skin and shortness of breath are also some common symptoms of blood cancer.
Causes:
The main cause of blood cancer is still unknown to us but there are some reasons that might trigger its onset. They are:
- Ageing
- Family history
- Weak immune system
- Certain infections
Detection:
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow examination
- Diagnostic imaging tests such as CT scan, PET scan and X-ray
- Physical examination
- Surgical lymph node removal (for examination)
Prevention:
Since the cause of blood cancer is still unknown to us, the preventive measures are just some common tips that will help you lead a more healthy lifestyle.
- Eat healthily and drink lots of water.
- If not strict, follow a healthy diet. A disciplined lifestyle is key.
- Avoid exposure to radiation
- Avoid contact with insecticides and herbicides
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid self-diagnosis or self-medication, consult an oncologist.
Treatment:
- Stem cell transplantation
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Here's a list of the top 5 NGOs that help cancer patients
- Indian Cancer Society
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre
- Cancer Healer Center
- Charutar Arogya Mandal
- St. Jude India's Child Care Centre
*information sourced from various websites such as maxhealthcare.in, americanoncologyinstitute.com and cancercenter.com