Dr. Suraj D Chiraniya, Clinical Hematologist, Hemato-oncologist and BMT Physician, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali
A type of cancer that affects the blood cells. Some common types of blood cancer include leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Though rare, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) are some other types of blood cancer.
Caused by mutations in DNA within the blood cells, blood cancer results in blood cells behaving abnormally. Treatment, symptoms, and prognosis will vary depending on the type of blood cancer. Further, some types of blood cancer affect children, for which treatment can vary.
Understanding The Various Types Of Blood Cancer
One of the most common types of blood cancer affecting most blood cancer patients is leukaemia, defined as cancer of the blood cells. There are three main categories of blood cells: Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC) and platelets. Leukaemia affects the WBC within the bloodstream and causes them to divide rapidly and eventually crowd out the normal cells. As a result of this, the WBC is unable to perform its function of fighting infections within the human body.
Lymphoma is another type of blood cancer that affects the human immune system. It specifically affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, a vital part of the immune system. Lymphoma can also be called a cancer of the lymphatic system or lymphatic cancer.
In general, there are two main types of lymphoma, namely Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which both affect the blood’s lymphocytes.
The third most common type of blood cancer is myeloma, which affects the blood’s plasma cells. Plasma cells help fight infections in the body, and when a person has myeloma, the body cannot make these antibodies properly. Additionally, abnormal cells multiply in this situation, causing various symptoms.
The majority of the people diagnosed with myeloma are men over the age of 70, although cases of it occurring in young men are also possible.
Who is at risk for blood cancer?
Although there are no specific conditions for blood cancer, the risk can sometimes increase with age. Further, a family history of this disease can also increase the risk.
In addition to the above, the risk of leukaemia can also increase due to the following factors:
- exposure to radiation
- treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs
- a past diagnosis of blood cancer
- Down syndrome and other genetic syndromes
- Smoking
Risk factors for lymphoma, on the other hand, include the following:
- exposure to radiation
- Epstein-Barr or human T-cell lymphotropic virus
- HIV, organ transplant, or genetic immune disorders
Some risk factors for myeloma include exposure to radiation, obesity, and other plasma cell diseases.
What are some common signs and symptoms of blood cancers?
Since blood cancer is a chronic condition that progresses slowly, symptoms may not appear until the end stage. While coughing, chest pain, frequent infections, fever and unexplained weight loss can occur in all the types of blood cancer, other symptoms may be specific to the condition.
Some symptoms of leukaemia include fever and lethargy, paleness and shortness of breath due to anaemia and increased bruising and bleeding. When it comes to lymphoma, symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Finally, in the case of myeloma, specific signs may include bone pain, particularly in the back and ribs, weakness, fatigue, and paleness due to anaemia and frequent bacterial infections, such as pneumonia.
Can blood cancer be prevented?
While there is no way to prevent blood cancer completely, certain lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of developing cancer. These include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not indulging in habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Preventive health check-ups are highly recommended, especially if a person has a personal or family history of blood cancer, previous sessions of radiation therapy/chemotherapy or radiation exposure. If a person has experienced any symptoms related to blood cancer, it is best to consult an expert, as early diagnosis can ensure the best possible outcome.
