Q. What is blood cancer, and how does it differ from other types of cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming tissues, which include the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and blood cells. Unlike other types of cancer that originate in specific organs or tissues, blood cancer primarily affects the blood itself and the components within it, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The main categories of blood cancer include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Here's how blood cancer differs from other types of cancer:
1. Origin: Blood cancer originates in the blood and bone marrow, while other cancers typically begin in specific organs or tissues. For example, breast cancer starts in the breast tissue, lung cancer in the lungs, and prostate cancer in the prostate gland.
2. Affected Cells: Blood cancer affects the blood cells, including white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Other cancers primarily involve the cells specific to the organ or tissue where they originate.
3. Circulation: Blood cancer cells circulate throughout the bloodstream, potentially spreading to various parts of the body, including organs and tissues. In contrast, solid tumors in other cancers typically grow in a localized area before they metastasize (spread) to distant sites.
4. Diagnosis: Blood cancer is diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies that examine the lymph nodes and other affected areas. Other cancers may require different diagnostic methods, such as mammograms, CT scans, or biopsies of the affected tissue.
5. Symptoms: Symptoms of blood cancer often include fatigue, anemia, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, and enlarged lymph nodes. Other cancers may present with symptoms specific to the affected organ, such as coughing and chest pain in lung cancer or changes in bowel habits in colon cancer.
6. Treatment: Blood cancer treatments typically involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants. Treatment for other cancers may include surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
It's important to note that blood cancer encompasses several subtypes, each with its own characteristics and treatment approaches. The specific type of blood cancer and its stage determine the appropriate treatment plan. Patients with blood cancer should work closely with their healthcare team to receive the most appropriate care and treatment options for their condition
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