What is Blood Cancer?

What is blood cancer?

Blood cancers differ from other types of cancer because they affect the cells that produce blood. Most blood cancers begin in the bone marrow (the soft, spongy material inside most bones). The Marrow produces stem cells, which transform into white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. They help transport oxygen throughout the body, fight infections and stop bleeding. Blood cancer is diagnosed when abnormal blood cells get out of control and take over normal blood cells.

kansas city southern railway acute myeloid leukemia, Multiple Myeloma and lymphoma are the three most common blood cancers. Other kinds include Hodgkin kansas city southern railway lymphoma as well as kansas city southern railway Myelodysplastic syndrome disorders (MDS) and myeloproliferative tumors (MPNs). Each kind of blood cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within the blood cells.

Some blood cancers are slow-growing and may not require immediate treatment. Some blood cancers are slow-growing and may not need treatment right away. At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we use advanced diagnostics to determine what type of blood cancer you've got and the rate at which it's growing.

We also provide information about how to face the emotional and practical challenges associated with a blood cancer diagnosis. Join our weekly support emails If you've been recently diagnosed with a blood cancer. The email is simple and clear information, as well a real stories of people with blood kansas city southern railway kidney cancer. You can also listen to Blood Cancer Heart to Heart Podcasts.

How Is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?

The process of diagnosing blood cancer requires many tests and procedures. These tests are intended to determine blood cell counts, check for genetic mutations and other signs of disease. Most blood cancers start in the bone marrow and lymphatic system. This is a set of comprising organs and tissues that produce blood cells and regulate the levels of fluid. They are triggered when abnormal blood cells grow out of control and interfere with the normal functions of these blood-forming cells, or other tissues.

Some blood cancers, like lymphoma or leukemia, are difficult to recognize because they often don't cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown or is mistaken for cold or flu. Other types of cancer like myeloma originate in plasma cells which are a type white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. These cancers can also affect the kidneys, liver and spleen. This makes it difficult to diagnose.

A diagnosis of blood cancer usually is based on a physical exam and an examination of your medical background. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, like X-rays or CT scans to look for lymph nodes that have enlarged, kansas city southern railway myelodysplastic syndrome which can be a symptom of lymphoma and leukemia. A biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of a blood kansas city southern railway colon cancer. It involves the removal of tissues to be examined under a microscope. Other tests can be used to determine the stage of a blood cancer. This is determined by how fast or deep the cancer has spread.

What are the risk factors for developing blood cancer?

The majority of blood cancers begin in the bone marrow. It's the soft, spongy bone tissue that is inside the bones, where blood cells are formed. Solid tumors, like those found in the lungs or breasts, are diagnosed and staged according to the size and extent of cancer. The doctors stage blood cancers according to the number and type of abnormal cells, and also their genetic mutations.

Family history and age are two factors that increase the risk of blood cancers. Leukemia and lymphoma are more common as people get older. People with certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, Ataxia-Telangiectasia and Bloom syndrome, have a higher risk of developing leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). People who have had other types of cancer might be at risk of developing myeloma or other MDS.

Chemicals and radiation can increase the risk of certain blood cancers. For instance, myeloma is more prevalent in people who have been exposed to benzene, asbestos and the herbicide Agent Orange. Myeloma is more frequent in people who work as machinists, pipefitters, or electricians.

Some health conditions, such as anemia and high blood pressure may also increase the chance of developing a blood cancer. The treatments for cancer themselves can also increase the risk of blood clots, particularly if they require chemotherapy, surgery or the use of catheters to administer hormones or other medications.

What are the treatment options for Blood Cancer?

All blood cancers begin with stem cells that reside in bone marrow. Cancer hinders the normal development of stem cells and this means that they are not able to create healthy blood cells. To treat them, you may need to receive high doses of chemotherapy drugs that eliminate cancerous cells and then your body is given new, healthy stem cells that can grow into blood cells. This is called stem cell transplant, or a blood and bone marrow transplant.

Some people with slow-growing tumors of the blood don't need immediate treatment. They can be monitored with regular blood tests and checks. Your doctor will talk to you about your options.

HCA Midwest Health provides a variety of treatments for blood cancer. Clinical trials are another method we offer cutting-edge treatments. You can be part of the trial that could result in the next-generation of care for Kansas City southern railway Lymphoma your particular kind of blood cancer and you can receive treatment in your own your home.