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What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer or hematological malignancy, refers to cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. These cancers typically originate in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced, and they can affect the production and function of blood cells.
There are three main types of blood cancer:
- Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to a decrease in the production of red blood cells (which carry oxygen), platelets (which help blood clot), and normal white blood cells (which are part of the immune system). Leukemia can be acute (develops rapidly) or chronic (develops more slowly).
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, become malignant and form tumors in the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissues. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Myeloma: Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. In myeloma, malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and form tumors, which can lead to bone pain, anemia, weakened bones, and other complications.
Blood cancers can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, fever, weight loss, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain. The specific symptoms depend on the type of blood cancer and its stage.
Treatment for blood cancer depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and other factors such as the patient's overall health. Common treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and sometimes surgery. The goal of treatment is often to destroy or control the cancer cells, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Useful links from: Leukaemia: What are the signs and symptoms? | NHS
- https://www.leukaemiauk.org.uk/about-leukaemia/types-of-leuk... Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of leukaemia and therefore a type of blood cancer. The word ‘chronic’ in the name indicates that the disease may develop slowly. The word ‘lymphocytic’ refers to the type of blood cells affected which are called lymphocytes.
- The NHS Christie Foundation Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. There are a number of different types of leukaemia. Leukaemia is named according to the type of white blood cell which is affected and whether it is chronic or acute.
- Leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic - NHS Wales
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation trust Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia information - Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a form of cancer that affects the lymphocyte-producing cells in the bone marrow. The leukaemia is termed ‘acute’ because it develops quickly.
- https://bloodcancer.org.uk/ We research, we support, we care. Because it’s time to beat leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and all types of blood cancer.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. Acute leukaemia means it progresses quickly and aggressively, and usually requires immediate treatment.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia - Information from NHS Inform Scotland
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