Hematologic cancer

Hematologic cancer refers to types of cancer that begin in the cells of blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system. Examples of hematologic cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Types of Hematologic Cancer

There are three main types of hematologic cancers:

• Leukemia: This type of cancer is found in your blood and bone marrow. It is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. The high number of abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection, and they impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.

• Lymphoma: This is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which removes excess fluids from your body and produces immune cells. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that fight infection. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in your lymph nodes and other tissues.

• Myeloma: Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body. Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body's immune system weakened and susceptible to infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hematologic cancers can vary, depending on the type of cancer. Some common symptoms include:

• Fever, chills
• Persistent fatigue, weakness
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Night sweats
• Bone/joint pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent infections
• Itchy skin or skin rash
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, groin

Diagnosis

If a hematologic cancer is suspected, diagnosis is usually made by biopsy, blood tests, and in some cases, imaging tests. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. Blood tests can give information about the number and type of cells in the blood, and imaging tests can show whether cancer has spread.

Treatment

Treatment for hematologic cancers depends on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and the patient's overall health. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, and in some cases, surgery.

See Also

• Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma

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