Blood cancer is a whole group of oncological diseases of the hematopoietic system. Each of them has its own characteristics, but the principle is the same – they all disrupt the formation of blood cells, and also have several common symptoms. Anna Shubina, an oncohematologist at the Institute of Oncology at the European Medical Center (EMC), told socialbites.ca about this.
According to the expert, blood cancer occurs as a result of mutations in the DNA of the cells that make up the blood. Therefore, instead of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells, cells that cannot fulfill their functions are formed and divide exponentially.
“As a result, less nutrients flow to the tissues and organs, and the patient becomes vulnerable to infections, because one of the main functions of the hematopoietic system is to produce white blood cells that protect the body from disease,” said the doctor. .
He noted that the risk factors for blood cancer are exposure to toxic substances, radiation, smoking and reduced immunity.
“Unfortunately, leukemias, like other types of cancer, do not make themselves felt in the early stages and do not show specific symptoms. Still, you need to be careful if you get infectious diseases more often, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, tinnitus appear, and the wounds do not heal for a long time, ”said Anna Shubina.
In addition, frequent bleeding from the nose or gums, prolonged menstrual bleeding can be a sign of genital system blood cancer. You also need to be wary of increased fatigue, loss of strength, insomnia or increased drowsiness during the day.
“In some cases, with blood cancer, peripheral lymph nodes may increase: cervical, armpit, groin. Sweating, especially at night, a sharp decrease in body weight, memory impairment and loss of appetite can also indicate the disease, ”said the oncohematologist.
Shubina added that these symptoms may indicate other diseases not related to cancer. But if there are, it is worth undergoing a full examination to exclude oncology and make sure that there are no signs of leukemia.
“Leukemias are very difficult to diagnose. The most important thing is to conduct a bone marrow study with specific analyzes in the form of cytogenetics, molecular markers and immunophenotyping. Much will depend on the correct diagnosis. Any incorrectly prescribed treatment or delay in treatment can lead to a worse prognosis,” the oncologist warned.
used to be a doctor judicial two rare and very dangerous types of cancer.