Most blood cancers, also called hematologic cancers, start in the bone marrow, where blood is produced. Blood cancers occur when abnormal blood cells start growing out of control, interrupting the function of normal blood cells, which fight off infection and produce new blood cells. Common types of blood cancer include leukemia and lymphoma.
Leukemia: Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood cells. There are several broad categories of blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Generally, leukemia refers to cancers of the WBCs. Lymphocytic leukemia develops from cells that give rise to T lymphocytes (T cells), B lymphocytes (B cells), or natural killer (NK) cells. Myeloid leukemia develops from cells that give rise to white blood cells called granulocytes and monocytes.
Types: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) & Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL):
Risk Factors: A family history of leukemia, smoking, genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome, which is sometimes called “preleukemia”, previous treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation, exposure to high levels of radiation and chemicals such as benzene.
Symptoms: Excessive sweating, especially at night (called “night sweats”), fatigue and weakness, unintentional weight loss, bone pain and tenderness, painless & swollen lymph nodes enlargement of the liver or spleen, red spots on the skin, called petechiae, fever or chills and frequent infections
Diagnosis: All types of leukemia are diagnosed by examining blood samples and bone marrow. A complete blood count will show the levels and types of white cells, leukemia cells, red cells & platelets.
Treatment: The treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill leukemia cells. Depending on the type of leukemia, you may take either a single drug or a combination of different drugs. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, biologic therapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant &surgery.
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body. When lymphoma occurs, lymphocytes change and grow out of control.
Types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (formerly called Hodgkin’s disease) &Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Risk Factors: Aged male, having an impaired immune system, developing certain infections.
Symptoms: Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin, persistent fatigue, fever, night sweat, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, lymph node biopsy, bone marrow aspiration, chest x-ray, CT, CT-guided needle biopsy, PET scan, bone scan, MRI, abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment: Chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation that directly targets the lymphoma, biological therapies, such as antibodies, directed at lymphoma cells& stem cell transplant.
About the Author
This article has been contributed by the Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Yenepoya Dental College under the Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) established in the year 1992, with its robust alumni of 3000 Undergraduates and 67 Postgraduates students and research scholars has many accolades and achievements to its credit. It strives to provide state of art Oral diagnostics and Molecular Pathology while excelling in research activities and instilling a holistic approach in dental education among students. Department contributes its expertise in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing exemplary education and research.
