Types of Blood Cancer – Leukaemia & Lymphoma And Treatment Options

Blood cancer refers to a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the blood. The most common types of blood cancer are leukaemia and lymphoma. Blood cancer can occur in people of any age but is most common in children and adults over the age of 60. 

With blood cancer, the cancer cells grow out of control and crowd out the healthy blood cells, which can cause problems with blood and the immune system. Leukaemia and lymphoma are words that can strike fear into the heart of even the strongest person. These cancers not only have the power to take lives but also leave scars that can last forever. Therefore, being aware of blood cancer is important. Let’s have a closer understanding,

Types of Blood Cancer

There are three types of blood cancer:

• Leukaemia 
• Lymphoma 
• Myeloma 

These types of blood cancer symptoms have their symptoms and treatments. Each of the cancers behaves differently at different stages. 

Symptoms of blood cancer include fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Blood cancer is treatable, but the earlier it is caught, the better the chance of successful treatment.

Diagnosis of Blood Cancer

There are different types of blood cancer, so the process of diagnosis can vary depending on the specific condition. In general, the diagnosis of blood cancer begins with a physical examination and a review of the person’s medical history. The doctor may also order blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, or other imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia affects the blood and bone marrow. There are four main types of leukaemia, which are classified based on how quickly the disease progresses and the types of cells affected. The four types are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).

ALL is the most common type of leukaemia in children, while AML is the most common type in adults. CLL is the most common type of leukaemia in older adults, while CML is more common in younger adults.

The symptoms of leukaemia vary depending on the type but may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone pain. 

Treatment options also vary depending on the type of leukaemia but may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma cancer develops in the lymphatic system that is part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus as well as the channels that carry lymph fluid. Lymphomas can occur in any of these lymphatic tissues.

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells.

Lymphomas can be either aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow growing). Most lymphomas are aggressive.

Lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two. The specific treatment depends on the type and stage of the lymphoma.

Myeloma

Myeloma cancer occurs in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. It is considered a blood cancer as it affects the cells that are responsible for producing antibodies. Myeloma is a relatively rare cancer, accounting for only about 1% of all cancers. However, it is the second most common blood cancer after leukaemia. 

Myeloma usually affects older adults with the average age at diagnosis being around 70 years old. There is no known cure for myeloma, but treatments are available to help manage the disease and extend life.

Having cancer is a difficult and stressful experience. There are different types of cancer and they can be treated in different ways. We hope this blog has helped you learn more about the different types of blood cancer and the treatment options available. Just make sure to identify the symptoms early to get treatment on time. If you find it tough to find a good hospital, just google for the best cancer hospital in India and you will find a list of hospitals for treatment.