There are three types of blood cancers according to the origin of the cancer cells. The three types of blood cancer have different symptoms. Let's learn more about the types, symptoms and causes of blood cancer.
Blood cancer occurs when blood cells grow abnormally and are not controlled. As a result, these cells cannot function properly and interfere with the production of other blood cells.
Blood cells themselves can be divided into 3 types, namely red blood cells (which carry oxygen), platelets (play a role in the process of blood clotting), and white blood cells (to fight infection).
Types and Symptoms of Blood Cancer
There are various types of blood cancers that are named according to the origin of the cancer cells. Common ways, blood cancer is divided into 3 types, namely:
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that comes from white blood cells. In this condition, immature white blood cells divide rapidly, but do not develop into mature cells.
Blood cells that do not develop properly will continue to divide until more and more in the bone marrow. As a result, the function of the bone marrow in producing normal blood cells becomes disrupted.
Based on the development of the disease, leukemia is divided into two types, namely acute leukemia that develops very fast and chronic leukemia that develops slowly, and takes several years for symptoms to appear.
Besides based on the development of the disease, leukemia can also be categorized according to the type of cell affected. There are four types of leukemia, namely:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Signs and symptoms of leukemia can be:
- Anemia, with signs of being easily tired, dizzy, pale, or shortness of breath.
- Blood clotting disorders, characterized by easy bruising, easy bleeding (usually on the gums), heavy menstrual blood, and bloody or black stools.
- Susceptible to infection, has a fever, or sweats at night.
- Enlarged spleen and liver.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Weight loss for no apparent reason.
Some of the signs and symptoms of blood cancer do not always appear in people with leukemia. Therefore, to diagnose it correctly, it is necessary to have a physical examination by a doctor accompanied by supporting examinations, such as routine blood tests and bone marrow aspirations.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, and bone marrow.
The lymphatic system functions to carry lymph fluid consisting of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymphatic system acts as the body's defense, especially in fighting infection.
There are many types of lymphomas, with different symptoms and treatments. But in general, lymphomas are divided into two types, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Symptoms of lymphoma are sometimes not typical, but the condition can be suspected if complaints arise in the form of:
- Enlarged lymph nodes that are not painful, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Weight loss.
- Fever.
- Tired quickly and often weak.
- Hard to breathe.
- Itchy.
- Cold sweat at night.
- Weight loss.
Myeloma
Myeloma is a blood cancer originating from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells play a role in making proteins called antibodies (immunoglobulins) to fight infection.
In people with myeloma, plasma cells that have cancer will make antibodies that are not normal. These antibodies cannot fight infections well, they can even reduce the amount of normal antibodies made.
Myeloma cells can spread from the bone marrow to the hardest parts of the bone, causing bone tissue damage. Myeloma can attack multiple bones, so it is often referred to as multiple myeloma.
Signs and symptoms of myeloma in the early stages tend to be unclear. But over time, this type of blood cancer can show several symptoms in the form of:
- Bone pain
- Bones break easily
- Tingling sensation
- Limp and pale from lack of blood
- Easy bruising and bleeding in the gums
- Susceptible to infection
- Kidney disorders
- Increased calcium levels in the blood due to damaged bone cells
Causes of Blood Cancer
So far the exact cause why someone can get blood cancer is still unknown. However, there are several factors known to increase a person's risk of developing blood cancer, namely:
- Having a family member who has blood cancer.
- Frequent exposure to toxic substances, such as fertilizers, chemical waste from factories, smoke, or cleaning products.
- Infected with certain viruses, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr, hepatitis, or herpes.
- Have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.
- Frequent exposure to radiation or radioactive substances.
The age factor also often influences the type of blood cancer suffered. Leukemia ALL attacks most children at the age of 3-5 years. Whereas lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia type AML, attack more adults and the elderly.
Blood Cancer Medication
After being diagnosed, treatment for blood cancer will be given according to the type of blood cancer suffered, as well as the age and health condition of the sufferer. Treatment can be chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and drugs to kill cancer cells.
In some cases, the oncologist may also recommend surgery, such as a bone marrow transplant or removal of the spleen.
The success rate of treatment in blood cancer varies. But usually, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the possibility of cure will also be even greater. Therefore, if you experience a variety of signs and symptoms above, consult a doctor immediately.
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