Blood Cancers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Expert Care
Blood cancers are a group of cancers that affect the blood cells, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. The major types include leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These cancers can affect the production and function of normal blood cells and may require specialised, personalised treatment. Dr. Anjali Sachan provides comprehensive cancer care, helping patients understand their diagnosis and explore appropriate treatment options based on the type, stage, and characteristics of their disease.
What Are Blood Cancers?
Blood cancers develop when abnormal blood-forming or immune system cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with normal blood cell production or immune function.
The three major categories are: Leukaemia (cancer of blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow, resulting in abnormal blood cell production), Lymphoma (cancer that develops in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and primarily affects the lymphatic system), and Multiple Myeloma (cancer of plasma cells, which are specialised immune cells found mainly in the bone marrow). Each type behaves differently and requires an individualised treatment approach.
Common Symptoms of Blood Cancers
Symptoms vary depending on the type and progression of the disease. Common warning signs may include:
Blood Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors vary according to the specific type of blood cancer. They may include increasing age, family history, certain genetic conditions, exposure to high levels of radiation or specific chemicals, previous cancer treatment, immune system disorders, and certain infections. Many people who develop blood cancer have no identifiable risk factor. Therefore, persistent symptoms should be investigated rather than attributed to a specific cause without medical evaluation.
Diagnosis of Blood Cancers
Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment. Evaluation may include a complete blood count (CBC), blood smear, biochemical tests, imaging studies, and examination of the bone marrow.
Depending on the suspected cancer, additional tests such as flow cytometry, cytogenetic testing, molecular testing, lymph node biopsy, or other specialised investigations may be required. These tests help identify the exact type and characteristics of the cancer.
Blood Cancer Treatment
Treatment is tailored according to the type and subtype of cancer, disease stage or risk classification, molecular characteristics, overall health, and individual treatment goals. Treatment options may include:
Medicines used to destroy or control abnormal cancer cells.
Medicines designed to target specific molecular changes in cancer cells.
Treatments that help the immune system recognise and fight cancer cells.
Uses high-energy radiation to target cancer cells in selected situations.
May be considered for certain blood cancers when appropriate.
Helps manage complications such as anaemia, infections, pain, or treatment-related side effects.
A multidisciplinary approach can help provide comprehensive treatment and supportive care.
Why Choose Dr. Anjali Sachan for Blood Cancer Care?
Dr. Anjali Sachan focuses on personalised cancer management, considering the patient's diagnosis, disease characteristics, overall health, and treatment needs. She helps patients understand their condition and available treatment approaches while supporting informed decision-making throughout their cancer care journey.
Early Detection Matters
Some blood cancers can progress quickly, while others may develop more gradually. Persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, recurrent infections, unusual bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or enlarged lymph nodes should not be ignored. Timely medical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic testing can help establish an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment when required.
Discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with Dr. Anjali Sachan.