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What is blood cancer?
The term "cancer" describes the excessive, unplanned, growth of cells of the organism that were normal until the moment of the beginning of the process of carcinogenesis. Hematological cancer affects the production and functioning of blood cells. Most of the hematological cancers begin in the bone marrow, where blood is produced.
Normally, stem cells mature in the bone marrow and grow in three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In most forms of hematological cancer, this process is interrupted by the uncontrolled development of an abnormal type of blood cell. This cell is cancerous, and its uncontrolled proliferation prevents the blood from performing many of its functions, such as adequate oxygenation of tissues, fighting infections and preventing severe bleeding. The most common forms are lymphomas, leukemias and myelomas.
What causes blood cancer?
Although the specific cause of blood cancer is not known, a number of factors are associated with its development. More precisely, there may be a hereditary predisposition or be caused by factors such as weakened immune system, advanced age, certain infections, smoking, some medications and ultraviolet radiation.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a hematological cancer characterized by excessive and uncontrolled proliferation of bone marrow cells. Leukemia is divided into myeloid or lymphogenous, depending on the type of pathological cells, and each of these types is divided into acute or chronic. Leukemic cells come out of the bone marrow into the bloodstream and can settle in other areas and organs of the body (lymph nodes, spleen, liver).
The symptoms are mainly due to the dominance of cancer cells in the bone marrow, which leads to the abnormal production of white and red blood cells and platelets. As a result, infections, anemia or bleeding are often caused. Diagnosis is based on complete blood count, myelogram and immunophenotype. Also, any responsible genetic mutations are being sought, in order to select the appropriate treatment. The primary goal of treatment is the destruction of all leukemic cells from the bone marrow, with chemotherapy. In specific cases, an allogeneic bone marrow transplant is recommended. Chronic leukemia is usually brought under control without treatment, with careful monitoring or with relatively non-toxic chemotherapy.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a hematological malignancy that affects the lymphatic system. It occurs when a lymphocyte undergoes a cancerous transformation and begins to multiply uncontrollably. This can start from the lymph nodes or other organs of the lymphatic system and, starting from this point, extend to any part of the body. There are many different types of lymphoma, and treatment depends on its type. The main types of lymphoma are:
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)
The main manifestation of the disease is the swelling of a palpable lymph node or group of lymph nodes, in the presence or not of concomitant systemic symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss or itching). The diagnosis is made by surgical removal and biopsy of the swollen lymph node or biopsy of the affected organ. Staging of the disease is carried out by various imaging tests. As far as treatment is concerned, there are the following solutions:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Biological therapy
- Some combination of the above
- Marrow transplant
- Simple tracking
Multiple myeloma
Myeloma is a type of cancer, which comes from the plasma cells of the bone marrow. When it occurs in different parts of the body, it is called multiple myeloma.
Typical symptoms include bone pain, bone damage, fatigue, recurrent infections, anaemia, bleeding and bruising. The diagnosis and staging of multiple myeloma is determined by the results of the general blood count, urinalysis, imaging tests and marrow biopsy. Available treatments include chemotherapy and corticosteroids, biologic therapies, radiation and bisphosphonates to prevent further bone damage.
Side effect management
It is important that the patient discusses with the attending physician about the possible side effects of the drugs or even the disease itself. An important role, therefore, is played by supportive treatment before, during or even after special treatment. This aims to improve the overall health of the patient, through the management of complications of cancer or his treatment.
Inference
Early diagnosis is vital, as it allows the immediate treatment of these diseases, before damage is caused to vital organs. In recent years, the rapid progress in the field of biology and immunology has brought about the introduction of innovative therapies into everyday clinical practice. The new specialized drugs offer improved results, with much fewer side effects, allowing for long-term and quality living.
References
https://eody.gov.gr/disease/karkinos/
https://ellok.org/αιματολογικος-καρκινος/
https://www.euroclinic.gr/article/aimatologikos-karkinos-prolipsi/
https://www.hygeia.gr/neotera-dedomena-gia-ti-leychaimia/
https://eposgo.ayeso.com/arthro/karkinos-tou-aimatos/therapeies
https://www.hygeia.gr/lemfomata-poia-einai-ta-symptomata-kai-poia-i-therapeia/
https://www.iaso.gr/medical-directory/details/medical/2021/09/14/ti-einai-to-lemfoma
https://www.onmed.gr/ygeia/story/357859/lemfoma-poia-einai-ta-symptomata-pos-antimetopizetai
https://www.onmed.gr/ygeia/story/307854/pollaploun-mueloma-ta-upoula-sumptomata-kai-i-prognosi
https://www.iatropedia.gr/encyclopedia/lefchemia/
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