Hematology oncology is a field dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of blood disorders and cancers. Within its scope, blood cancers stand out as a significant challenge due to their diverse and complex nature.
Understanding the basics of blood cancers is essential for patients and their families to navigate through diagnosis, treatment options, and survivorship. This article talks about the different types of blood cancers, their symptoms, and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Types of Blood Cancers
Blood cancers cover a range of malignancies affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. The three main categories of blood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Leukemia
- Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, particularly affecting the white blood cells (leukocytes).
- It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to overcrowding and suppression of normal blood cell production.
- There are different types of leukemia, including acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
- Symptoms of leukemia may include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, bruising or bleeding easily, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.
Lymphoma
- Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes and bone marrow.
- It can be categorized into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) become malignant and form tumors in the lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues.
- Symptoms of lymphoma may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and itching.
Myeloma
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood plasma cells, which are white blood cells.
- In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and form tumors, interfering with normal blood cell production.
- This cancer can weaken the bones, impair kidney function, and compromise the immune system.
- Symptoms of myeloma may include bone pain, fractures, weakness, fatigue, recurrent infections, and kidney problems.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of blood cancers remains largely unknown, but certain risk factors increase susceptibility to the disease.
- Genetic predisposition – Specific genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or familial adenomatous polyposis, are associated with a higher risk of blood cancers.
- Exposure – Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as to certain chemicals, such as benzene, pesticides, herbicides, and solvents, has been linked to an elevated risk of developing blood cancers.
- Viral infections – Infection with certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV-1), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), may contribute to the development of specific types of blood cancers may contribute to blood cancer development.
- Autoimmune conditions – Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjögren’s syndrome are among those linked to a higher risk of blood cancers.
- Age and gender – The risk of blood cancers increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in adults over the age of 55.
- Immune system suppression – Immunosuppression due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or long-term use of immunosuppressive medications can weaken the immune system and raise the risk of blood cancers.
Diagnosing Blood Cancers
Diagnosing blood cancers often involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging studies, and bone marrow biopsies. Blood tests may reveal abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, while imaging studies such as CT scans or PET scans help assess the extent of the disease. Bone marrow biopsies are critical for confirming the diagnosis and determining the specific type of blood cancer.
Treatment for Blood Cancers
Common modalities used in blood cancer treatment include chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
- Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth and is often used as a primary treatment for blood cancers. Combination chemotherapy regimens may be employed to target cancer cells at different stages of the cell cycle.
- Stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplantation, involves the transfusion of healthy stem cells into the bone marrow. The stem cells may come from the patient’s own body (autologous) or donor cells (allogeneic).
In recent years, advancements in precision medicine have led to the development of targeted therapies that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, leading to more effective and less toxic treatment options for blood cancers.
Hematology Oncology Provider in Syracuse, NY
Manage your health effectively through our inclusive and comprehensive hematology/oncology services provided at the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University. Our cancer program is recognized as one of the top 20 percent nationwide. Our physicians are board-certified in hematology, oncology, or both and are dedicated to providing expert care for blood cancers and support throughout your cancer journey.
To schedule an appointment with a hematology-oncology provider, reach out to the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University by sending an email to DeptMedicine@upstate.edu. We look forward to being your partner in cancer care.
