What Is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer can be of three types multiple myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia. Below, we have explained these three cancer types in brief:
Multiple myeloma: This term is used for cancer affecting our plasma cells, one of the white blood cell types found in bone marrow. The plasma cells are responsible for producing proteins known as antibodies that help us in combating infections. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer type marked by multiplication of cancerous plasma cells. As the primary function of the plasma cells is production of proteins; multiple myeloma might result in increase in abnormal protein levels in the patient's blood. This cancer type affects the patient's kidneys, immune system and bones significantly.
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is the medical term used for cancer affecting our immune system's lymphatic cells. Lymphomas can be of 4 types, B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Besides that, lymphomas are also considered to be members of a family of diseases known as the hematological neoplasms.
Leukemia: Leukemia can be defined as the cancer occurring in the blood-producing tissues of our system, which include our lymphatic system and bone marrow. Usually, leukemia begins from WBCs (white blood cells). Leukemia can be broadly categorized into acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Most children diagnosed with leukemia become victims of acute form of the disease. Chronic leukemia can affect people of all age groups, but are more common among older individuals.
What are the symptoms of blood cancer? The common signs of blood cancer include:
- Pain in the abdomen, particularly around upper abdomen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever accompanied by chills
- Pain in joints and bones
- Frequent urination
- Frequent infections
- Increase in the size of glands like lymph nodes and spleen
- Enlarged liver
- Night sweats
- Sudden weight loss
- Stomach upset, vomiting and nausea
What are the risk factors of blood cancer? The most common blood cancer risk factor is weak immune system. The weakening of immune system might be due to intake of drugs that acts by suppressing functions of our immune system (such drugs are mostly used during organ transplants), high dosages of radiation (for instance radiotherapy received as treatment of another cancer), infections impairing immune system functions etc. Blood cancer can also occur on being exposed to benzene, a chemical found in petrol; benzene is also used in plastic and rubber industries. Other risk factors for blood cancer include Down syndrome, Schwachman-Diamond syndrome and Fanconi anemia.
