Types of Blood Cancer and How to Treat them

Updated on 8 May 2023

Table of Content

The term blood cancer evokes fear and it continues to be one of the most serious types of cancers to affect humans. Around 1.24 million people suffer annually from blood cancer and it accounts for 6% of the total cancer cases. In India, over 1 lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer annually and it is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths.

Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. There are three main types of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Each type of blood cancer requires a different treatment approach.

Leukemia

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells. It is characterized by the production of abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with the normal function of the immune system. There are two main types of leukaemia: acute leukaemia, which progresses rapidly and requires immediate treatment, and chronic leukaemia, which progresses more slowly

Treatment for leukaemia typically involves chemotherapy, which involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. In some cases, radiation therapy may also be used to target cancer cells in specific areas of the body. Bone marrow transplantation is another treatment option for leukaemia, which involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system that helps fight infections. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment for lymphoma typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In some cases, targeted therapy may also be used to target specific cancer cells. Stem cell transplantation may also be used to treat lymphoma, especially in cases where the cancer has come back after initial treatment.

Myeloma

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies to help fight infections. Myeloma cells can produce abnormal antibodies that can interfere with the normal function of the immune system.

Treatment for myeloma typically involves chemotherapy, which may be followed by a stem cell transplant. In some cases, targeted therapy may also be used to target specific cancer cells.

In addition to these main types of blood cancer, there are also rare types of blood cancer, such as myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Treatment for these rare types of blood cancer depends on the specific type of cancer and may involve a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

Conclusion

Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. There are three main types of blood cancer: leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Treatment for blood cancer typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The specific treatment approach depends on the type of cancer, as well as the stage and severity of the cancer. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with blood cancer, it is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs. If you need an appointment with an oncologist, you can visit www.carehospitals.com to fix up an appointment.