Cancer and neoplasms
Cancer Awareness: Understanding Different Types Of Haematological Malignancies
Nov
Understanding Different Types Of Haematological Malignancies
Haematological malignancies, commonly known as blood cancers, encompass a diverse group of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system.
Cleveland Clinic defines blood cancer as “Blood cancer affects how your body produces blood cells and how well those cells work. Most blood cancers start in your bone marrow, the soft, sponge-like material in the centre of your bones. Your bone marrow makes stem cells that mature and become red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
“Normal blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen throughout your body and control bleeding. Blood cancer happens when something disrupts how your body makes blood cells. If you have blood cancer, abnormal blood cells overwhelm normal blood cells, creating a ripple effect of medical conditions. More people are living longer with blood cancer, as healthcare providers find new ways to treat it.”
Understanding these varied conditions is pivotal in raising awareness about their nuances, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Leukaemia: Leukaemia originates in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. This condition is broadly classified into acute and chronic forms. Acute leukaemias progress rapidly, while chronic leukaemias tend to progress slowly.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system and is divided into two main types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, while non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma encompasses a broad spectrum of lymphatic cancers.
- Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to an abnormal proliferation of these cells. This condition can weaken bones and impair the immune system.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): MDS refers to a group of conditions characterized by dysfunctional blood cell production in the bone marrow. This can lead to low blood cell counts and an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN): MPNs involve abnormal growth and functioning of blood cells in the bone marrow. Common types include chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing haematological malignancies often involves a combination of blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies, and genetic testing. Treatment varies based on the specific type and stage of the cancer and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or a combination of these approaches.
Raising Awareness and Support
Increasing awareness about these conditions is crucial. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Furthermore, ongoing research and advancements in treatment modalities offer hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with haematological malignancies.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse spectrum of haematological malignancies is essential in driving awareness, fostering early detection, and supporting ongoing research efforts. By coming together to educate and empower individuals, we can enhance the fight against these complex blood-related cancers.
Disclaimer: This is an authored article written by Dr. Sreenivass B J, Medical Oncologist and Blood Cancer Specialist at HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru. Times Now does not take any responsibility for the content as it is purely the author’s opinion.
