Blood cancer

Certain chronic leukemias may not cause noticeable symptoms at first, and symptoms may appear as the condition progresses. Acute types of blood cancer can cause aggressive symptoms, such as:

• Recurrent fever
• Recurrent infections
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Joint pains
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Abdominal pain due to an enlarged spleen
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• Tiny red spots in the skin (called petechiae)
• Purplish patches in the skin
• Breathlessness
• Confusion
• Headaches

Cancer can be a challenging journey, but support makes all the difference. Tata 1mg is committed to ensuring you have access to quality cancer care every step of the way.

Blood cancer is cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells.

The exact cause of blood cancer is not yet identified. It is thought to occur when blood cells undergo genetic mutations and behave abnormally.

It starts when the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow is changed (mutation), which prevents it from developing, multiplying, and functioning normally.

This rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells occurs in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. These abnormal cells then spill into the bloodstream.

Additionally, the abnormal and excessive production of white blood cells, or leukocytes, causes overcrowding and clumping in the blood vessels.

These abnormal cells also reduce the count of other normal blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets.

White blood cells are responsible for fighting off infections and maintaining the body’s immune system health. With blood cancer, the abnormal white blood cells are unable to function properly, making the body susceptible to infections.

Certain factors can increase the risk of a person developing blood cancer. These include:

• Family history: There is a higher risk of developing leukemia if a close family member has suffered from leukemia.
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco products and cigarettes increases the risk of leukemia. Approximately 20% of all acute myeloid leukemia cases are linked to smoking.
• Chemotherapy and radiation: Chemotherapy or radiation for cancers like breast, ovarian, or Hodgkin's lymphoma can raise the risk of leukemia later in life.
• Genetic syndromes: Conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Fanconi’s anemia, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, caused by genetic abnormalities, have been associated with a higher risk of leukemia.
• Viral infections: Exposure to certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and human T-cell leukemia virus, can increase the chances of leukemia.
• Exposure to carcinogens: Certain chemicals, such as benzene, are known carcinogens and increase the risk of leukemia.

Prevent viral infections by adopting healthy habits.

The doctor conducts a thorough physical examination and reviews the history of symptoms, using various studies to diagnose and determine the subtype of blood cancer. These include:

1. Physical Examination

Your doctor will look for physical signs of blood cancer such as pale skin from anemia, swelling of your lymph nodes, and enlargement of your liver and spleen.

2. Laboratory Tests

• Flow Cytometry: Aids in the detection of antigens present on or inside the cells based on their specific characteristics. It also helps in monitoring the recurrence of the disease, assessing the extent of cancer, and checking the efficacy of ongoing treatment.
• Cytochemistry: Assists in the diagnosis of different types of acute blood cancers using cytochemical stains.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Required to study the quantities and morphology of different blood cells.
• Peripheral Smear Examination: Necessary to evaluate the blood cells in greater detail.
• Supportive tests such as coagulation profile, kidney function test, and liver function test may be essential to evaluate the overall health status.

3. Bone Marrow Studies & Biopsy

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A procedure in which a needle is used to withdraw a sample of the cancerous cells or tissue from the bone marrow, helping in the diagnosis of abnormal cells.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration: A procedure in which a sample is drawn from the fluid portion of the bone marrow with a fine needle to check for cancerous cells.
• Lymph Node FNAC & Biopsy: Used to examine lesions or lumps inside the body observed by touch or during a scan to detect tumors in different parts of the body.

4. Imaging Studies

• A PET CT Scan (Whole Body): May be performed to check for signs of blood cancer in the body.
• CT Scan: Helps to check for the presence of cancerous cells and plays a vital role in the treatment of blood cancer such as bone marrow transplants. Note: Your doctor may order a chest X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan if you have symptoms indicating a complication of leukemia.

5. Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) may be ordered to see if cancer has spread to the spinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Avoiding exposure to known risk factors such as benzene, radiation, and smoking may reduce the chances of developing blood cancer.

Although cancer cannot be completely prevented, there are some simple and effective lifestyle changes that you can implement now to reduce your cancer risk:

• Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.

Treatment of leukemia depends on the type of disease and the patient’s overall health condition. Majorly, the treatment approaches are as follows:

1. Chemotherapy
   • The length of time for treatment can vary by regimen, ranging from six months to indefinite treatment. These include drugs such as:
     • Vincristine
     • Daunorubicin
     • Cytarabine
     • Mercaptopurine
     • Ifosfamide
2. Targeted therapy
   • With targeted therapy, drugs are given against a cancer cell-specific target. These targets of drugs are generally not present in normal dividing cells of our body. Examples of targeted therapy include:
     • Monoclonal antibodies such as Inotuzumab, Gemtuzumab, Rituximab, Ofatumumab, Obinutuzumab, and Alemtuzumab
     • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Imatinib mesylate, Dasatinib, Nilotinib, Ponatinib, Ruxolitinib, and Fedratinib
3. Immunotherapy
   • As the name suggests, immunotherapy works by helping the immune system fight cancer cells. This therapy uses substances that activate the body's immune system to work against the cancer cells:
     • Pembrolizumab
     • Atezolizumab
4. Radiation therapy
   • This therapy uses radiation (high-energy rays similar to X-rays) to kill cancer cells.
   • This treatment uses strong beams of energy to target areas with cancer cells, such as lymph nodes or leukemia cells, stopping them from growing.
   • Radiation can be directed at specific areas with cancer cells or applied to the whole body during a stem cell transplant.
   • This therapy can also be used alongside other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and surgery.
5. Stem cell transplant
   • Also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant, this procedure replaces the cancerous blood-forming cells with new, healthy hematopoietic cells.
   • These healthy cells can be taken from the patient (before exposure to chemotherapy or radiation therapy) or from a donor’s blood or bone marrow and are infused into the patient's blood.
   • Healthy hematopoietic cells grow and multiply, forming new bone marrow and blood cells that develop into all the different types of cells your body needs (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).
6. Supportive care
   • Supportive care is essential for patients to help stimulate the production of blood cells, combat infections, and manage side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
   • Antiemetic drugs provide relief from nausea and vomiting (ondansetron, palonosetron).
   • Recombinant human erythropoietin alpha preparations help produce red blood cells and treat anemia due to leukemia or post-chemotherapy.
   • Various antibiotics and antiviral medications are used to prevent and treat infections.
7. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment
   • This is a new form of therapy where the patient’s own T-lymphocyte cells are harvested and engineered in the laboratory to make them capable of fighting leukemia cells.
   • These cells are then reinserted into the body.

People with blood cancer suffer from chronic fatigue and are at risk of recurrent infections. Additionally, chemotherapy sessions can bring about various side effects. Here are some ways to care for yourself or a loved one suffering from blood cancer:

• Eat right
  Eat fresh home-cooked meals and drink plenty of water or energy drinks daily.
• Try home remedies
  Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy can be managed with medications or home remedies like sucking on peppermint lozenges.
• Keep infections at bay
  Follow good hand hygiene.
  Avoid crowded and unhygienic places.
  Wear a surgical mask when visiting the hospital.
• Be active
  Engage in light physical activity to help boost energy levels and alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue.

In the terminal stages, the patient sleeps through most of the day and has a reduced appetite, extreme muscle wasting, and a feeble heartbeat.

It may also cause other complications, such as:

• Recurrent and serious bacterial or fungal infections.
• Tumor lysis syndrome, a side effect of chemotherapy where the tumor cells die quickly, resulting in dangerously high levels of metabolites that can harm the kidneys.
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a condition in which the blood clots abnormally, leading to thrombosis or hemorrhage.
• Higher risk of developing other types of cancers among leukemia survivors.

Cancer often shows subtle signs, making early detection crucial for effective treatment, better outcomes, and reduced complications in health and well-being.

Alternative therapies can be used to provide symptomatic relief for patients with blood cancer. However, it is important to understand that they should not replace conventional treatments. Always consult your doctor before starting anything new.

1. Yoga and Exercise

• Yoga and exercise can help boost energy levels and combat chronic fatigue.
• Breathing exercises can aid in relaxation.
• These practices can induce feelings of positivity and assist in coping with the diagnosis.
• Learn more about other health benefits of yoga.

2. Massage

• Foot and body massages can help with relaxation and provide symptomatic relief.

3. Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy uses specific scents to promote relaxation of the mind and body.
• It fosters a sense of calmness and positivity.

4. Acupressure and Acupuncture

• Acupressure and acupuncture techniques can help alleviate pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

5. Meditation

• Meditation techniques, such as focused breathing and positive imagery, can help manage stress and anxiety following a diagnosis.
• These practices enhance mental strength and willpower, essential for combating serious diseases.

With advancements in treatment, many leukemia patients enjoy long, healthy lives, though the journey can be emotionally challenging. Open communication, lifestyle adjustments, and support from loved ones or professionals can help manage anxiety and maintain positivity. Here are some helpful tips:

• Learn about your diagnosis
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare team about anything you don’t understand.
  • It is best to ask your doctor about your health and condition rather than search online or depend on other people for help.
• Join a support group
  • A support group can keep you cheered up since the other participants will have their insights into cancer treatment.
  • You can even find inspiration from the other members or strategies for coping with pain or other side effects of treatment.
• Take care of your mental and emotional health
  • Discuss feelings with close family members and friends.
  • Get all the information required to proceed with the treatment.
  • Be conscious of your physical limitations.
  • Resolve practical issues like childcare or work problems.
• Monitor the cost of cancer treatment
  • Apart from the cost of treatment, there can be some other unexpected costs as well. This can discourage many patients from continuing the treatment.
  • This can be controlled by requesting benefits or grants from the social worker; they can also assist in the process of claiming.
• Make sleep a priority
  • Sleep can be elusive when you’re feeling anxious or depressed, or even just exhausted from your cancer treatment.
  • But a lack of sleep can make you feel even more anxious or despairing.
  • Try our widest range of products to help you get a good night’s sleep. But, remember to always consult your doctor before trying anything new.