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Blood Cancer Treatment

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Most blood cancers, widely referred to as hematologic cancer which starts in the bone marrow, the birth place for blood cells. Blood cancers occur when abnormal blood cell numbers explode; grow out of control, and interfere with the normal functioning of blood cells, which fight off infection and produce new blood cells, it is a complex group of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, and poses unique challenges to patients and their families.

Sunrise Oncology Center understands the concerns surrounding blood cancer, including inquiries if blood cancer is genetic and blood cancer treatment costs. Our dedicated team of experts is here to address these concerns and provide personalized care tailored to each patient's needs. Whether you're seeking information on whether blood cancer is genetic or exploring options for managing blood cancer treatment costs, we're committed to guiding you through every step of your journey toward healing and recovery. Discover hope and support at Sunrise Oncology Center.

Types of Blood cancer

Originates in the blood and bone marrow. When the body creates more and more abnormal white blood cells they interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to make red blood cells and platelets. When one of the blood cells changes and becomes a leukemia cell, it doesn’t mature the usual way and grows out of control. Often, it divides to make new cells faster and faster. Leukemia cells also don't die as per their usual life cycle allowing them to pile up in the bone marrow and crowd out normal cells. Eventually, leukemia cells leave the bone marrow and spill into the bloodstream. This increases the number of white blood cells in the blood. Once in the blood, leukemia cells can spread to other organs, where they can prevent other cells in the body from functioning normally.

Originates in the lymphatic system from lymphocytes, a type of WBC that helps the body fight infections and is a crucial part of the immune system.

Develops in the lymphatic system from lymphocytes. It is identified by the presence of an abnormal lymphocyte called - Reed-Sternberg cell.

Is a blood cancer, affecting plasma cells, presents unique challenges it begins in the blood’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow. Plasma cells in the bone marrow constitute an important part of the immune system. Lymphocytes (lymph cells) are one of the main types of white blood cells in the immune system and include T cells and B cells. Lymphocytes are in many areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, the bone marrow, the intestines, and the bloodstream. When B cells respond to an infection, they mature and change into plasma cells. Plasma cells make the antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) that help the body attack and kill germs and defend itself. When plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control, multiple myeloma occurs. The plasma cells make an abnormal protein (antibody) known by several different names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M-protein), M- spike, or paraprotein.

Multiple myeloma features

Explosive growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow crowd normal blood-forming cells, leading to low blood counts; This can cause anemia and make one weak and fatigued. Multiple myeloma can also cause low platelet levels (called thrombocytopenia), leading to increased bleeding and bruising.

Myeloma cells also interfere with cells that help keep bones strong. Two kinds of bone cells work together to keep bones healthy and strong: Osteoclasts break down old bones and Osteoblasts lay down new bones. Myeloma cells make a substance that signals the osteoclasts to speed up bone dissolving. So old bone is broken down without new bone to replace it, this makes the bones weak and fragile. Fractured bones are of great concern in people with myeloma. This increase in bone break-down shoots up calcium levels in the blood.

Myeloma cells can harm the kidneys and may cause kidney damage and even kidney failure.

Causes and Risk Factors of Blood Cancer

Mostly caused by mutations in the genetic material—the DNA—of blood cells. Other risk factors vary based on the specific type of blood cancer.

  • Age - The risk goes up as a person gets older.
  • Gender - being male.
  • Exposure to chemicals such as benzene
  • Smoking
  • History of other types of cancer treatment
  • Exposure to high doses of radiation
  • History of other blood cancers

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

  • Age - The risk goes up as a person gets older
  • Exposure to certain types of industrial chemicals, herbicides and insecticides
  • History of chemotherapy
  • Prolonged radiation exposure
  • Compromised immune system
  • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

Hodgkin lymphoma

  • Age - The risk goes up as a person gets older
  • History of infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes infectious mononucleosis (mono)
  • Family history of Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Compromised immune system

Multiple myeloma

  • Sex - More common in men
  • Age - The risk goes up as a person gets older
  • Higher risk among African Americans
  • Obesity or extra body weight

Symptoms and Signs of Blood Cancer

Leukemia

  • Weakness
  • Feeling tired
  • Weight loss
  • Chills, Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Swollen lymph nodes (often felt as lumps under the skin)
  • Pain or a sense of "fullness" in the belly
  • Feeling tired
  • Feeling weak
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Infections that don’t go away or keep coming back
  • Bruises (or small red or purple spots) on the skin
  • Frequent or severe nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or heavy menstrual bleeding in women
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Loss of appetite

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • Swollen abdomen (belly)
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Severe or frequent infections
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Fever (which can come and go over several days or weeks) without an infection
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Weight loss without trying (at least 10% of body weight over 6 months)

Hodgkin Lymphoma

  • Lump(s) under the skin
  • Itching skin
  • Feeling tired (fatigue)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever (which can come and go over several days or weeks) without an infection
  • Drenching night sweats
  • Weight loss without trying (at least 10% of body weight over 6 months)

Multiple Myeloma

  • Bone problems
  • Low Blood count
  • High Calcium levels
  • Nerve damage
  • Kidney problems

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Frequently Asked Questions

The answer to the question ‘Is blood cancer Genetic’ is not a simple yes or no. Genetic factors increase the risk of developing blood cancer, but most cases are not directly inherited. It is essential to discuss family medical history with your healthcare providers for a better understanding of individual risk factors.

While leukemia can be associated with inherited genetic mutations, most cases are not directly inherited. A family history of leukemia may increase the risk slightly, but it is not a definitive cause.

Risk factors include genetic disorders, family history, previous cancer treatment, exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, and age.

Reducing exposure to carcinogens, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical check-ups can help mitigate risk. Understanding your family's medical history is also beneficial.

Genetic testing can identify certain mutations associated with an increased risk of leukemia and can be useful for individuals with a strong family history of the disease.

Common symptoms include fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, and weight loss. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes.

Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Leukemia affects the blood and bone marrow, lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, and myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

The exact cause of blood cancer is not always the same and is often unknown. However, factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and a weakened immune system contribute to its development; sometimes genetics are also a reason; to answer the question 'Is blood cancer genetic?' directly, yes, there is evidence supporting the idea that blood cancer has a genetic component. The research community continues to explore and unravel the intricate genetic mechanisms underlying this complex disease.

Common symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, and pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs.

Diagnosis involves blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies (such as CT scans or PET scans), and sometimes a lymph node biopsy. Genetic testing may also be done to identify specific mutations.

Treatment depends on the type of blood cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

There is no way to prevent blood cancer, but certain lifestyle choices, such as avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, may help reduce the risk to an extent.

Blood cancer affects the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. It includes conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, where abnormal blood cells interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

Blood cancer treatment cost can vary widely based on factors such as thestage of the disease, type of treatment, the duration of therapy, etc... Blood cancer treatment cost is also dependent on Insurance coverage as it plays a significant role in determining the costs borne by the patients.

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