There are many different kinds of blood cancer. Some are treatable and some are not. These are often slow to develop and can go undiagnosed for years. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can put blood cancer into remission. This is the best outcome for patients because it means the disease is not returning and there is no chance of recurrence. Here are some of the most common types of blood cancer and how they are treated.
All types of blood cancer affect the production and function of blood cells. Typically, they start in the bone marrow, which produces stem cells and develops into red, white, and platelet blood cells. The normal blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen throughout the body, and control bleeding. When blood cancer is present, the production of blood cells is disrupted and abnormal blood cells replace the normal ones. This has several adverse effects on other body functions.
In some cases, blood cancer treatment can lead to an increased risk of infection. The drugs used to treat blood cancer weaken the immune system. People with blood cancer may develop neutropenia, a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough white blood cells, which makes them vulnerable to infection. Neutropenia can lead to neutropenic sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection. Other symptoms associated with blood cancer include vomiting, nausea, and mucositis. The treatments can also lead to emotional and physical distress.
During a blood cancer diagnosis, healthcare providers may collect a blood sample and examine the cells under a microscope. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat the symptoms of blood cancer. Radiation therapy targets abnormal cells by damaging their DNA, which prevents them from reproducing. This treatment may be combined with chemotherapy and other treatments, such as surgery. When the disease is detected early enough, treatment options may be decided upon by the patient’s doctor and may include a stem cell transplant.
In addition to blood cancer symptoms, men and women may experience certain sex-specific symptoms. For example, a woman suffering from blood cancer may have irregular menstrual cycles. She may also experience heavier menstrual flow than usual, which may be an indication of a cancer. If these symptoms persist, she may need to see a healthcare provider immediately. There are other symptoms of blood cancer that are not as readily visible as those in other types of disease.
Genetics are another factor. Leukemia develops when cells acquire changes in their DNA, the instructions for growth and death. Mutations in DNA cause abnormal blood cells to multiply and crowd out healthy bone marrow cells. This can lead to symptoms of blood cancer including fatigue, weakness, and fever. Treatment is dependent on the type of leukemia and how early detection can help a person live longer and healthier. But the treatment for blood cancer is still not known.
Many factors can block normal processes of cells in the body, including the production of white blood cells. These immature cells enter the bloodstream, multiply rapidly, and cause cancer. These cancer cells then flood the body’s blood and prevent healthy cells from performing their essential tasks. As a result, the body’s immune system becomes compromised and blood cancer is inevitable. It’s essential to seek treatment for blood cancer, so don’t ignore the symptoms or the signs.
