What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Kansas City Southern Railway Inter…

What is Blood Cancer?

What Is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancers differ from other cancers because they affect cells that produce blood. The majority of blood cancers start in the bone marrow (the soft, spongy material inside most bones). The marrow produces stem cells which mature into red blood cells white blood cells, red blood cell and platelets. These cells transport oxygen throughout the body, and fight infection. They also manage bleeding. Blood kansas city southern railway lung cancer develops when these abnormal cells develop out of control and overwhelm normal blood cells.

Leukemia, myeloma and kansas city southern railway non hodgkins lymphoma are the three most common blood cancers. Other types include Hodgkin lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Each kind of blood cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within the blood cells.

Some blood cancers are slow-growing and do not require immediate treatment. Certain blood cancers grow slowly and don't require treatment right away. At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we use advanced diagnostics to determine what kind of kansas city southern railway blood cancer cancer you have and the rate at which it's growing.

We also have advice on how to deal with the emotional and practical issues of a diagnosis of cancerous blood. You can sign up for our weekly support emails for people recently diagnosed with blood cancer. This email provides easy-to-read and concise information as well as authentic experiences of people who have blood cancer. You can also listen to the Blood Cancer Heart to Heart Podcasts.

How is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?

Blood cancer is diagnosed by various tests and procedures. The majority of them are designed to assess blood cell counts and search for genetic mutations or kansas city southern railway non hodgkins lymphoma other signs of a disease. Most blood cancers start in the bone marrow or lymphatic system. It is a collection comprising organs and tissues that produce blood cells and regulate the flow of fluid. They develop when abnormal blood cells expand out of control and cause disruption to the normal functions of these blood-forming cells, or other tissues.

Certain blood cancers, including lymphoma or leukemia, are difficult to recognize as they typically don't show any symptoms until the cancer has progressed or is mistaken for a cold or flu. Myeloma, as well as other forms of cancer start in plasma cells. These are white blood cells that aid the body fight off infections. These cancers can also affect the liver, spleen and kidneys, making them difficult to identify and treat.

A physical exam as well as a review of your medical history are usually the first steps to diagnose blood cancer. Your doctor might order imaging tests, such as X scans or CT scanners to look for enlarged lymph nodes that could be a signicant leukemia or lymphoma. A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of blood cancer. This involves the removal of a sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope. Other tests can be used to determine the stage of blood cancer, which can be related to how fast or how the extent of cancer has spread.

What are the risk factors for Blood Cancer?

Most blood cancers start in the bone marrow. It's the soft, spongy tissue inside the bones, where blood cells are created. Solid tumors, such as those in the lungs or breasts, are diagnosed and categorized based on the size and the extent of the cancer. The doctors stage blood cancers according to the number and type of abnormal cells, and also their genetic mutations.

Several factors increase the risk of developing blood cancers like age and family history. Leukemia and kansas city southern railway lymphoma are more frequent as people grow older. People with certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, Ataxia-Telangiectasia and Bloom syndrome, have a higher risk of developing leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). People who have had other types of cancer could be at risk of developing myeloma and other MDS.

Chemicals or radiation may also increase the risk of certain blood cancers. Myeloma, for example, is more common among people who have had contact with asbestos and benzene as well as the herbicide Agent Orange. People who work in shops such as electricians, pipefitters, machinists and pipefitters and are exposed for a long time to welding fumes or solvents also are at a higher risk of developing myeloma.

High blood pressure, anemia and other health conditions can increase the risk of blood cancer. The treatments for cancer can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly when they involve surgery, chemotherapy or the use of catheters to administer hormones or kansas city Southern railway non Hodgkins lymphoma other drugs.

What are the treatment options for Blood Cancer?

All blood cancers start as stem cells within bone marrow. Cancer can alter the normal development of these cells, and as a result, they can't make healthy blood cells. It is possible that you will need to take high doses of chemotherapy medications, which kill cancerous cells and then supply the body with healthy stem cells that develop into new blood cells. This is called a stem cell transplant or a blood and bone marrow transplant.

Certain people who have slow-growing blood cancers don't require treatment right but can be monitored through regular check-ups and blood tests. Your doctor will discuss your options with you.

HCA Midwest Health provides a variety of treatments for blood cancer. We also offer innovative therapies through clinical trials. You can take part in a clinical study that could lead to the next generation of treatment for your specific type of blood cancer. You could also be treated at your home.