Blood Cancer

📋 Overview

Blood cancer (hematologic cancer) begins in the blood-forming tissues of the body — bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Unlike solid tumors, blood cancers disrupt the normal production and function of blood cells, leading to uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

There are three major categories: Leukemia (cancer of white blood cells), Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system — Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin), and Multiple Myeloma (cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow).

Dr. Karamvir Yadav at MDCC, Alwar provides expert diagnosis and treatment for all types of blood cancers, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and coordination of stem cell transplantation.

🔍 Symptoms to Watch For

• Persistent fatigue and weakness that doesn't improve with rest
• Recurrent fever, chills, or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
• Frequent infections — colds, pneumonia, or UTIs
• Easy bruising or bleeding (gums, nosebleeds, heavy periods)
• Bone or joint pain
• Abdominal fullness or discomfort (enlarged spleen or liver)
• Skin rash, itching, or red spots under the skin (petechiae)
• Shortness of breath even with minimal activity

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome in CML)
• Family history of blood cancer or certain genetic syndromes (Down syndrome)
• Exposure to high-dose radiation
• Exposure to benzene or other industrial chemicals
• Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy for another cancer
• Certain viral infections — HTLV-1, EBV (Epstein-Barr), HIV
• Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, organ transplant patients)
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis linked to lymphoma)
• Age — risk increases with age; some types more common in children

📊 Types & Stages

💊 Treatment Options

🩺 Diagnosis Methods

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential — first-line investigation
• Peripheral blood smear — microscopic examination of blood cells
• Bone marrow biopsy — confirms leukemia/myeloma diagnosis
• Lymph node biopsy — essential for lymphoma diagnosis
• Flow cytometry — identifies and classifies blood cancer cell types
• Cytogenetics / FISH — detects chromosomal abnormalities
• Molecular testing (PCR) — detects gene mutations (e.g., BCR-ABL, JAK2)
• PET-CT scan — staging of lymphomas and assessment of response

✅ Prevention Tips

• Avoid prolonged exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals (benzene)
• Do not smoke — linked to higher leukemia risk
• Maintain a healthy immune system through balanced diet and exercise
• Get vaccinated against viral infections (Hepatitis B, HPV) that raise cancer risk
• Regular medical check-ups if you have a family history of blood disorders
• Report persistent unexplained fatigue, fever, or swollen lymph nodes early
• Genetic counselling for families with hereditary blood cancer syndromes