Understanding Different Types of Hematological Malignances

Dr. Vishal Kulkarni, Consultant Medical Oncology, HCG NMR Cancer Centre, Hubli

Blood cancer or Hematological Malignances are a group of diseases which affects the blood, lymphatic tissue, and bone marrow together. Unlike the other cancers where solid tumors are formed, blood cancer develops in the body’s blood forming tissues It is necessary to understand the different types of Hematological Malignances so that the entire process of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment can be put into action.  Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma are some of the most common types of blood cancers.

Let us understand each of these types and their symptoms. Understanding these can help an individual in early diagnosis and further management.

1. Leukemia: Leukemia is a type of blood cancer which affects the bone marrow and blood. Leukemia’s traits include the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells which can outgone normal healthy cells. This type of cancer has been classified into four different types.

1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): ALL is most common among children but could also affect adults. This cancer specifically targets and affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. Some of the symptoms experienced are easy bleeding or bruising, frequent infections, and fatigue.
2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): AML mainly targets and affects the myeloid cells, which It affects people irrespective of their ages. Some of the symptoms are fatigue, anemia, and elevated risk of infections.
3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): In this form of cancer, the B-lymphocytes are targeted. B-lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. This cancer progresses slowly and affects the older population. Certain symptoms exhibited are fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and increased risk of infections.
4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Chronic Myeloid Leukemia typically affects myeloid cells and is evident through a genetic abnormality called Philadelphia chromosome. This cancer progresses through three stages: chronic, accelerated, and blast crisis. Some of the symptoms manifested are fatigue, abdominal discomfort and enlarged spleen.

2. Lymphoma: This form of Hematological Malignances affects the lymphatic system which consists of the lymph nodes, the spleen, and the bone marrow. This is further divided into two forms.

1. Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): The presence of Reed Sternberg cells which is a specific type of abnormal cell is a characteristic of classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. It is most common among young adults. Some of the Symptoms include fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.
2. Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma is combination of lymphomas, which have their unique symptoms. NHL can affect people irrespective of their age groups. Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and many other symptoms manifest based on the subtype.

3. Multiple Myeloma: Multiple Myeloma occurs in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which is responsible for the production of anti-bodies. As the cancerous plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, they interfere with the normal blood cells and lead to several other complications. The symptoms which manifest are bone pain, anemia, kidney problems, and frequent infections.

Each kind of Hematological Malignances requires a different strategy to diagnosis and treat. Knowing the different types of Hematological malignances and the symptoms that go along with it is essential for a better prognosis.

For each of these Hematological Malignances types, various treatment options are feasible. Most of these blood cancers are treated with Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Immunotherapy. In cases of Leukemia and Lymphoma, stem cell transplants is also one of the option for treatment.

There are no specific known preventive measures for blood cancer. Here are some general preventive measures which could be followed to prevent cancer in general. By exercising regularly, maintaining healthy weight, and consuming a healthy diet can boost overall health. Certain infections like human -T lymphotropic virus, HIV,HBSM,HCV, Epstein-barr virus are associated with Hematological Malignances. One must ensure to avoid exposure to such risky infections to prevent increased risk of Hematological Malignances. People with family history of Hematological Malignances need to take genetic counseling to understand the potential risks and preventive measures. Chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene are known to increase the risk of Hematological Malignances. By following the safety guidelines at the workplace, individuals can prevent the risk of developing Hematological Malignances.

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