- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
LEUKEMIA
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone
marrow, which are vital components of the body's blood-forming system. It
primarily involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells, which
can crowd out normal blood cells and interfere with their functions.
The four main types of leukemia
1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): This type of leukemia primarily affects
lymphoid cells and is more common in
children, although it can occur in adults as well.
2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): AML is characterized by the rapid
growth of abnormal myeloid cells and can occur in both children and adults.
3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is a
slow-growing leukemia that primarily affects mature lymphoid cells. It is more
common in older adults.
4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML involves the
overproduction of mature myeloid cells and usually progresses more slowly than
acute forms of leukemia.
Leukemia symptoms can vary but may include fatigue, weakness,
frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and
swollen lymph nodes. The exact cause of leukemia is often unknown, but it is
believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is
another type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a key component
of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, spleen,
thymus, and bone marrow. Lymphomas are characterized by the uncontrolled growth
of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
There are two main
types of lymphoma:
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): It is characterized by
the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, large abnormal cells found in affected
lymph nodes. It can occur at any age but is more common in young adults.
Hodgkin lymphoma is often highly treatable, especially in its early stages.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of lymphomas that do
not have Reed-Sternberg cells. There are many subtypes of NHL, each with its
own characteristics and behaviors. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age
and are more common than Hodgkin lymphoma.
Lymphoma
symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, fatigue,
night sweats, and recurrent fevers. The exact cause of lymphoma is not always
clear, but factors such as age, gender, family history, and compromised immune
function may play a role.
Myeloma
In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma
cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out normal cells and impairing
their function. Additionally, these abnormal plasma cells can produce abnormal
proteins (monoclonal proteins or M proteins), which can cause complications.
Here
are some key points about multiple myeloma:
Symptoms:
The symptoms of multiple myeloma can include bone pain, especially in the spine
and hips, frequent infections, weakness, fatigue, anemia, and kidney problems.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis often involves blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies
(such as X-rays or MRIs) to assess bone damage.
Treatment:
Treatment for multiple myeloma may include chemotherapy, immunomodulatory
drugs, corticosteroids, targeted therapies, stem cell transplantation, and, in
some cases, radiation therapy. The choice of treatment depends on factors like
the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the specific
characteristics of the myeloma cells.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for multiple myeloma varies, but treatment has advanced
significantly in recent years, leading to improved outcomes. Some people with
multiple myeloma can achieve long-term remission, while others may experience
periods of remission followed by relapses.
Risk Factors: The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not well understood, but
certain factors may increase the risk, including age (it is more common in
older individuals), male gender, African American descent, family history, and
exposure to certain chemicals.
For Further more Details its important to consult with a Blood Cancer Doctor in Delhi. If you are looking for a blood cancer doctor in delhi then you can consult with Dr. Dodul Mondal currently workng as the Director at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket South Delhi.