Understanding Blood Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Every year, millions worldwide confront a daunting challenge: a diagnosis of blood cancer. This category of cancers—encompassing leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma—constitutes approximately 10% of all cancer cases globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an alarming 1.3 million new cases reported annually.

Facing the term "blood cancer" can stir fear and uncertainty, but recent advancements in medical research are promising a shift. Survival rates are improving, offering new hope to patients everywhere. In countries like India, treatments for blood cancers are notably more accessible compared to regions such as the UAE, where costs can be significantly higher.

But what exactly are blood cancers? What types should you be aware of, and what are the common warning signs? How are these cancers diagnosed? Moreover, what treatment options are available? This comprehensive guide aims to answer these questions, providing you with essential insights into this global health issue.

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer (hematologic cancer) originates in the blood-forming tissues of the body, such as the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. It primarily affects the production and function of blood cells, mainly white blood cells, which are critical to the body's immune defence system.

Unlike solid tumours, blood cancers do not form a mass but instead interfere with the normal functioning of blood cells. Depending on the type of blood cancer, this interference can lead to compromised immunity, frequent infections, and other systemic issues.

Types of Blood Cancer

1. Leukaemia: This cancer begins in the bone marrow, where an abnormal production of white blood cells crowds out healthy blood cells. Leukaemia can be acute or chronic, with acute leukaemia progressing rapidly while chronic leukaemia progresses slowly. Common forms include:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)

2. Lymphoma: This cancer targets the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and disrupts the body's ability to filter waste and fight infections. The two main types are:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: Identified by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A more common form that includes a variety of subtypes based on the affected lymphocyte.

3. Multiple Myeloma: This cancer originates in plasma cells, another type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells build up in the bone marrow, weakening the bones, reducing red blood cell production, and impairing the immune system.

Common Symptoms of Blood Cancer

Blood cancers often share overlapping symptoms, but some symptoms are more specific to each type. Key warning signs include:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest can be a sign as the body struggles to produce healthy blood cells.

• Frequent Infections: A compromised immune system due to abnormal white blood cells makes patients more vulnerable to infections.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unintentional weight loss can signal underlying cancer.

• Bone or Joint Pain: Especially in leukaemia and multiple myeloma, overcrowding of the bone marrow by cancer cells causes pain.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Typically seen in lymphoma, painless swelling of the lymph nodes in areas like the neck, armpits, or groyne is a common symptom.

• Bruising or Bleeding Easily: Disruption in platelet production can lead to easy bruising, nosebleeds, or gum bleeding.

• Night Sweats and Fever: Unexplained fever or excessive sweating, especially at night, may signal lymphoma or other blood cancers.

Diagnosing Blood Cancer

When blood cancer is suspected based on symptoms, doctors perform a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the disease. Key diagnostic methods include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. Abnormal readings can indicate the presence of blood cancer and prompt further testing.

2. Bone Marrow Biopsy: A small sample of bone marrow is taken, usually from the hip bone, to examine the type and number of cells present. This test is crucial in confirming blood cancer diagnosis and determining its type.

3. Flow Cytometry: This lab technique helps detect abnormal cells in the blood or bone marrow, particularly in leukaemia or lymphoma cases.

4. Cytogenetic Testing: A detailed analysis of chromosomes to detect mutations or abnormalities, often guiding the specific treatment approach for blood cancers.

5. Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to detect signs of lymphoma or multiple myeloma in the lymph nodes, bones, or organs.

Treatment Options for Blood Cancer

Blood cancer treatment varies depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Modern treatments are more personalised, offering a range of therapies aimed at targeting specific cancer cells, improving patient outcomes, and reducing side effects.

1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for blood cancers. It involves using powerful drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. For some types of leukaemia, chemotherapy is the primary treatment and may be combined with other therapies.

2. Radiation Therapy: In lymphoma, radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancerous lymph nodes or to shrink tumours before other treatments. It is also sometimes used in advanced stages of leukaemia or myeloma to manage symptoms.

3. Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant): This procedure involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is often used after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to restore the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells. A stem cell transplant is a common treatment for multiple myeloma and some leukaemias.

4. Targeted Therapy: These treatments specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Targeted therapy has become increasingly popular in treating blood cancers such as CML, where drugs like imatinib (Gleevec) specifically target cancer-causing proteins.

5. Immunotherapy: This advanced treatment helps boost the patient's immune system to fight cancer more effectively. CAR T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy, has shown promising results in certain types of leukaemia and lymphoma.

Final Thoughts

While a blood cancer diagnosis can be frightening, modern advancements in medical research and treatment options offer hope for many patients. Knowledge is the first step towards tackling this disease, from understanding the types of blood cancers to recognising symptoms early and getting a timely diagnosis. Furthermore, understanding the financial implications and options available in different countries, including blood cancer costs in India and blood cancer costs in the UAE, can help you make informed decisions about treatment.

Staying proactive about your health, having open discussions with your healthcare provider, and seeking emotional support are essential to navigating the challenges of blood cancer. Remember, no matter where you are in the world, options for effective care are constantly evolving, giving patients a fighting chance to overcome this disease.