Blood cancers are known to affect blood cells and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are formed. These cancers change the way blood cells act and how well they function. There are three kinds of blood cells in your body:
- Red blood cells that transfer oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues. They bring carbon dioxide to your lungs so you can breathe it out.
- White blood cells that fight infection as part of your immune system.
- Platelets that allow your blood clot when you’re injured.
Types of Blood Cancer
These cancers lead your bone marrow and lymphatic system to produce blood cells that don’t function as well as they should. They all impact various kinds of white blood cells, and they act in different ways. To know more about the condition, ensure to visit the best blood cancer hospital in India. The three major types of blood cancers are as follows:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
Leukemia: This type of blood cell cancer generally begins in the bone marrow and moves through the bloodstream. In leukemia, the bone marrow creates mutated cells and spreads them into the blood, where they develop and force out healthy blood cells. Moreover, leukemia happens in various forms, but the main diagnosis is intended on whether the disease is chronic or acute. Keep in mind, acute leukemias are rapid-growing and may need aggressive treatment options.
Lymphomas: This condition affects the cells in the lymphatic system. In lymphomas, immune cells known as lymphocytes develop out of control and gather in lymph nodes, the spleen, and in other lymph tissues or in neighboring organs. There are numerous types of lymphoma, but the disease is mostly categorized as Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Immunotherapy can be utilized to treat a few cases of Hodgkin lymphoma. Various other lymphoma treatments contain chemotherapy and surgery to get rid of affected lymph nodes.
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Multiple myeloma: The cancer grows in the bone marrow and affects plasma cells, which generate antibodies that attack infections and diseases. When plasma cells turn into cancerous, they may collect in the marrow and damage or weaken the bone and lead to pain. Moreover, cancerous plasma cells also generate inoperative antibodies, which make it tough for the body to fight infections. Multiple myeloma can be treated with targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a stem cell transplant.
Most patients with blood cancer often have symptoms common to all three types of the disease; fatigue, bone pain, fever, weakness, and weight loss. Some leukemias and lymphomas are quite similar, they may be considered the same disease, but are named based on where they are found in the blood or the lymph system. For a suitable treatment, it is suggested to find the best blood cancer hospital in India.
In conclusion, the most vital factor is to understand your specific disease. Good education and communication from your oncologist or doctor are necessary for helping you know about your condition, and treatment options available to you.