Scientific and medical advances in blood cancer treatment are producing promising results in the fight against the disease. Various treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation, can extend the lifespan of leukemia patients and, in some cases, allow them to fully recover. However, the side effects of these treatments and the risk of recurrence of the disease should also be taken into consideration. Emotional and psychological support is also important when coping with leukemia. Improving the skills to cope with the stress experienced by both patient individuals and their families can make the disease process more manageable.
What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer refers to a group of diseases that include various types, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, that usually begin in the bone marrow or lymph tissue. Leukemia is a type of blood cancer and describes the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of normal blood cells in the bone marrow. Leukemia occurs as a result of a problem in the maturation process of white blood cells (leukocytes). Normally, the bone marrow produces white blood cells, but in case of leukemia, these cells are produced more than normal and do not mature. These abnormal cells can infiltrate the circulatory system instead of the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream, spreading to different parts of the body.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled production and proliferation of blood cells in the bone marrow. Normally, the bone marrow produces the blood cells the body needs. But in the case of leukemia, the bone marrow produces more abnormal blood cells than normal and they fail to mature. These abnormal cells cannot perform their normal functions and can infiltrate the circulatory system and enter the bloodstream instead of the bone marrow. As a result, they can spread to different parts of the body.
Leukemia usually affects white blood cells, but in rare cases other blood cells can also be affected. Symptoms of leukemia may include persistent fatigue, paleness, weight loss, frequent infections, fever, other bleeding or clotting problems, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, and bone pain.
How do we know if we have blood cancer?
To diagnose blood cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma), a series of signs and symptoms are observed. However, these symptoms can often be associated with other health problems. Therefore, it is not correct to understand from the symptoms that you think you or someone else has blood cancer. The diagnosis of blood cancer can be made through a detailed evaluation, physical examination and laboratory tests by the doctor. Symptoms of blood cancer and leukemia may vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Symptoms of blood cancer can often include:
- Tiredness
- Constant fatigue
- Paleness
- weight loss
- recurring infections
- Fire
- Other bleeding or clotting problems
- swelling in lymph nodes
- enlargement of the liver or spleen
- bone pain
- Bruising or easy bruising on the skin
- Shortness of breath
- frequent sweating
These symptoms are common findings that can be seen in cases of blood cancer. In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist healthcare professional and have a detailed evaluation. Any symptoms do not necessarily mean blood cancer, but it is important to investigate any suspicious findings.
How do we know if it is leukemia?
Leukemia usually manifests itself with certain symptoms. However, these symptoms can also be associated with many other diseases. Therefore, tests performed by a doctor are necessary to diagnose leukemia. Some common leukemia symptoms may include:
- Constant feeling of tiredness and weakness.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Frequently recurring infections, fever, and infections that often do not heal.
- Easy bruising or bleeding, such as bleeding from the gums or nose.
- Swelling in lymph nodes.
- Enlargement of the liver or spleen, which can often be felt as discomfort or swelling in the abdominal area.
- Bone pain or joint pain.
- Excessive sweating, especially night sweats.
- Bruising or rashes on the skin.
- Paleness.
The diagnosis of leukemia is made through tests such as physical examination, blood tests, and bone marrow biopsy performed by the doctor. If any of these symptoms persist for a long time or are concerning, it is important to see a healthcare professional. Because early diagnosis can increase the success of treatment in leukemia and other types of cancer. But symptoms do not always mean leukemia. Therefore, only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
When is leukemia diagnosed?
Symptoms of leukemia can often vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. In some cases, symptoms of leukemia may not be obvious or may start with mild symptoms. The disease can usually be diagnosed with blood tests and other specific tests. Consulting a doctor when symptoms occur or is in doubt is important for early diagnosis and evaluation of appropriate treatment options. It is important for your health to consult your doctor if you have any symptoms or concerns.
Is blood cancer genetic?
Blood cancer is a disease in which environmental factors as well as genetic factors play a role. There may be a genetic predisposition to some types of blood cancer; In other words, the risk of cancer may increase in individuals with a family history of blood cancer. For example, having blood cancer types such as leukemia or lymphoma in first-degree relatives (such as mother, father, sibling) may increase a person’s risk of developing these diseases.
Genetic predisposition alone does not cause blood cancer. In most cases, the development of cancer occurs as a result of the interaction of genetic predisposition with environmental factors. Environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to radiation, and constant contact with some chemicals may increase the risk of cancer. It is generally thought that more than one factor affects the development of blood cancer. However, it is not known exactly which genetic or environmental factors are associated with the development of cancer, and each cancer case may be different. Research is ongoing on this subject and studies are ongoing to understand the complex interactions in the development of cancer.