Tara Butler navigated breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation with personalized care at...
Blood cancers can have a profound impact on daily life, and the uncertainty of living with these conditions can lead to significant challenges, from managing symptoms to navigating emotional and social changes, while requiring ongoing support and care.
What Are Blood Cancers?
Blood cancers affect blood cell production and function, primarily in the bone marrow or lymphatic system. They happen when genetic mutations cause abnormal blood cells to grow uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells and leading to issues like anemia, infections and impaired clotting.
Types of Blood Cancers
- Leukemia, the production of abnormal white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow that affects your ability to fight infections
- Lymphoma, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which affects the lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues
- Multiple myeloma, which causes abnormal production of antibodies in the bone marrow’s plasma cells and can damage bones, kidneys and other organs
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells in the bone marrow, which causes issues like anemia, infections and bleeding
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), a group of diseases where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets, which leads to blood clotting or bleeding
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a slow-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects a specific type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes
Blood Cancer Risk Factors
While the exact cause of blood cancer is unknown, risk factors include exposure to radiation or harmful chemicals, genetic conditions like Down syndrome, family history, and age. Most cases occur in adults, though some types, such as leukemia, also affect children.
What Are the Symptoms of Blood Cancers?
Symptoms of blood cancers vary depending on the disease type and stage, but common signs include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections or fever
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Pain or a full feeling below the ribs (caused by an enlarged spleen or liver)
- Pale or pale yellow skin
- Night sweats
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone or joint pain
How Are Blood Cancers Diagnosed?
Blood cancer diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, physical exams, and tests like complete blood count (CBC) that can reveal abnormal cell levels, bone marrow biopsy that helps confirm the presence of cancerous cells, and imaging scans (X-ray, CT). Flow cytometry analyzes blood or marrow cells for abnormalities, and lymph node biopsies can confirm lymphoma. These tests work together to determine the cancer’s type, severity and extent, guiding the overall treatment approach.
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Treatment Options for Blood Cancers
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill or control cancer cells. It is often the first line of treatment for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma and can be administered orally or intravenously.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy radiation targets and kills cancer cells and is commonly used in lymphoma treatment or to shrink tumors before other treatments like a bone marrow transplant.
Immunotherapy
This treatment boosts the immune system to help fight cancer cells. This approach is used for some types of lymphoma and leukemia, using drugs that stimulate immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted cancer therapy focuses on specific molecules or genetic mutations contributing to cancer cell growth. It is often less toxic than chemotherapy and is especially helpful in cases with known genetic abnormalities.
Supportive Care
Supportive care includes treatments like blood transfusions, antibiotics and pain management to help manage symptoms and side effects and improve overall quality of life during or after treatment.
Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant
This treatment involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient’s own cells. This treatment can be used for conditions like leukemia and multiple myeloma after initial treatments like chemotherapy.
Comprehensive Blood Cancer Care at Inspira
At Inspira, our multidisciplinary team includes hematologists, oncologists, pathologists, specialized nurses and more who collaborate to create personalized treatment plans.
Treatment for blood cancers requires ongoing monitoring and support, and we are committed to making care as accessible and convenient as possible. With oncology locations throughout South Jersey, we offer infusion services, advanced diagnostic testing and supportive care close to home.
