As per data, an estimated 1.24 million blood cancer cases appear annually worldwide. It constitutes 8.2% of all cancers, and leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer in India, responsible for more than half of all cases. Blood cancer starts in the plasma cells that create antibodies in the body. These antibodies help fight disease and infections.
Plasma cells arise from antigenically stimulated B lymphocytes, present in the bone marrow. It’s a type of immune cell. DNA changes in the blood cells affect the natural functioning of the cells, leading to malignant growth. For chemotherapy treatment in Siliguri, visit the best oncologist in town.
Researchers and doctors know that DNA changes or gene mutations in the blood cells account for cancer. A combination of factors like genetics, personal history, lifestyle, and environmental factors are responsible. About 28% of all childhood cancers are leukaemia, which originates in the blood and bone marrow.
This blog shares the three most common types of blood cancer; have a read:
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood-making tissues, which remarkably lessens the body’s ability to fight infections. With leukemia, bone marrow starts to produce abnormally higher amounts of white blood cells. Its types include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, etc.
Doctors and researchers don’t know the definitive cause of leukaemia, but they suspect genetic disorders, exposure to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, smoking, family history of leukaemia, and exposure to chemicals like benzene.
Leukaemia Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Nose bleeding
- Weight loss without trying
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Frequent infections
- Fatigue, and weakness that persists
- Bone pain, bone tenderness
- Pale skin
- Excessive sweating especially at night
- Tiny red spots on the skin
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are highly treatable with proper medical care. It’s a cancer of the body’s disease-fighting network, which involves the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus gland.
DNA changes or gene mutations account for the formation of excessive amounts of ineffective lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. The overall survival of lymphoma is estimated to be 72%. Receive dedicated and high-end chemotherapy treatment in Siliguri under the best oncologists in town.
Lymphoma Symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpits, and neck without pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Feeling full
- Night sweats
- Itchy skin without rash
- Shortness of breath
- Unintentional weight loss
- Cough
- Swelling of the arms and legs
- Seizures
Myeloma
Multiple myeloma or myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells present in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy substance inside your bone. The definitive cause of myeloma is not clear, but being male, old age, and family history might increase the risk of it. Reach out to the best cancer hospital in Siliguri for comprehensive treatment for blood cancer.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
- Bone pain in the chest, spine, and hips
- Frequent infections
- Constipation
- Unexplained weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Unexplained tiredness
- Weight loss without trying
- Confusion, mental fogginess
- More frequent urination
- Thirst
Advanced age, family history of Hodgkin lymphoma, exposure to radiation therapy, history of autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, weakened immune system, obesity, exposure to industrial chemicals, etc. can increase the likelihood of blood cancer. See your healthcare provider and get expert assistance early on.