Blood Cancer

What is blood cancer?

Blood cancers, or hematological malignancies, are a group of cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. The most common types of hematological malignancies are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Blood cancer develops when the DNA of a blood cell changes (mutates). This blood cell then behaves abnormally and multiplies in an uncontrolled way.

Our blood cells, which include white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, support a number of bodily functions, such as fighting infection, transporting oxygen and blood clotting. When abnormal blood cells multiply, they take the space of normal blood cells and impair these functions.

Doctors don’t normally know what causes blood cancer, but certain factors, such as age, sex, family history, chemical and radiation exposure, and certain health conditions, may increase your risk of developing the disease.

Types of blood cancer

There are different types of blood cancer, each with different symptoms and treatments.

Blood cancers are classified according to how quickly the disease progresses:

• Acute: This means the cancer is fast growing.
• Chronic: This means the cancer is slow growing. Types of blood cancer Leukemia Leukemia is a blood cancer that usually affects the white blood cells in bone marrow, the tissue inside our bones which is responsible for making new blood cells. If you have leukemia, these blood cells aren’t formed properly, and there may be too many, not enough or they may not work properly. There are many different types of leukemia, each named after the type of blood cell that is affected and how the disease develops.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Childhood leukemia
• Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL)

Symptoms of leukemia depend on the type, but commonly include fatigue, bruising easily, fever, repeated infections, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells (lymphocytes) which are part of the immune system. It is sometimes referred to as lymphatic cancer or cancer of the lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two main types of lymphoma.

Lymphoma symptoms typically include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin. Symptoms may also include fever, weight loss and night sweats.

Myeloma

Myeloma or multiple myeloma is a blood cancer which affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells. Plasma cells are produced in the bone marrow and are responsible for making antibodies. Antibodies are part of our immune system and help us to fight infection by finding and killing germs.

If you have myeloma, the plasma cells make antibodies that don’t work properly and can’t kill germs, leaving you prone to infections. Myeloma cells grow quickly in the bone marrow, leaving less room for healthy blood cells, causing other symptoms such as anemia and fatigue.

There are different types of myeloma, named after the type of paraprotein (the abnormal antibodies made by myeloma cells) and light chains (part of the chemical structure that makes up an antibody) in your blood.

There are five types of paraprotein, referred to as IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. There are two different types of light chains, referred to as kappa and lambda.

Diagnostic tests will identify the paraproteins and light chains present, and the name of the myeloma will reflect this – for example, IgG kappa myeloma.

Myeloma may be smoldering (there are no symptoms) or active (symptoms are present).

How are blood cancers diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects blood cancer, there are a number of tests they will perform to confirm a diagnosis. These include:

Blood tests: A blood test will measure the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. It can also measure liver function and urea and electrolyte levels.

Bone marrow biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is taken and can show if it is making healthy blood cells.

Lymph node biopsy: A part (or all) of the lymph node is removed to look for abnormal cells.

Scans: A CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, ultrasound, or an X-ray is used to produce images of your bones and organs.

Genetic testing: Cancer cells are looked at to identify certain genetic changes, which can help to determine the type of blood cancer you may have. Genetic testing can also help to inform treatment decisions.

How is blood cancer treated?

The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of blood cancer you have, as well as other factors such as your age and overall health. Common treatments for blood cancer include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapies
• Stem cell or bone marrow transplants.

 

Excellence in Hematology & Blood Cancer

We provide specialized care and support for people diagnosed with blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, as well as non-malignant blood disorders.

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