Blood cancer, i.e. leukemia accounts for a small percentage of all malignancies. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with blood cancer, so it is worth knowing the first, often atypical symptoms that may indicate leukemia and other types of blood cancer. Here in this article, we see about the types of blood cancer in adults and how we can rectify it.
Cancer is one of the greatest threats to modern civilization. We are not always able to avoid them, even by following the principles of anti-cancer prevention, but we can influence the quick detection of cancer and increase our chances of recovery. How can blood cancer manifest?
Types of blood cancer in adults
There are three types of blood cancers, but the most common is leukemia. In children and adults; more often it affects male representatives and can take a different form. There are acute leukemias with often unfavorable prognosis and chronic leukemias. Other blood cancers are lymphoma and myeloma.
The most common blood cancer for adults – types of leukemia
The term “blood cancer” is not correct. In the case of leukemia, we are dealing with cancer that can have a different course and cause. Leukemia is often inherited with genes, so people with a family history of this condition must take special care of prophylaxis and regularly check themselves.
Leukemias are divided into acute and chronic. Acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, if diagnosed too late, can be extremely difficult to treat. Equally serious diseases are chronic leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia, which can also lead to death, but have a much better prognosis, especially when diagnosed quickly.
The type of leukemia depends on the cells from which the dangerous cancer cells originate. It is worth knowing that the exact causes of blood cancers have not yet been determined, but research has shown that they may be associated with certain genetic diseases, infections with oncogenic viruses, smoking poppers and drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most often diagnosed in young people, especially those under the age of 20. Other types of leukemia are among the cancerous diseases that most often affect adults.
Unusual symptoms of blood cancer
The first symptoms of leukemia can be easily ignored because they resemble ordinary exhaustion or cold to which we expose ourselves every day. Common symptoms of leukemia include:
- getting tired quickly,
- enlargement of the lymph nodes,
- night sweating,
- nose bleeds
- bleeding gums
- gingival overgrowth
- frequent infections of the throat and oral mucosa,
- aphthae and thrush,
- spontaneous bruising and bruising,
- legs pain,
- weakness and increased sleepiness,
- increased body temperature,
- pain in muscles, bones, and joints,
- itchy skin
- sudden weight loss not related to the diet,
- decreased appetite,
- frequent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
These symptoms occur in both leukemia and other blood cancers. Requirement of basic testing, if they reoccur or trouble you for a lengthy period of time.
Blood cancer – varieties:
- acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Anti-cancer prophylaxis
Blood cancers can be related to our lifestyle and contact with harmful substances, e.g. chemicals. They quite often develop as a result of the use of certain medications, including those taken during the treatment of other neoplastic diseases, so it is necessary to constantly monitor your health and react quickly to any disturbing and persistently recurring symptoms.
Systematic preventive examinations are the best way to quickly detect all types of blood cancer in adults. We should perform a blood test once a year because it allows us to detect the first abnormalities related to the functioning of the hematopoietic system. The best treatment method for suspected blood cancer involves additional diagnostic tests.
Identification of blood cancer?
Hematological neoplasms did on the basis of morphology. The sheer number of erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes, combined with the analysis of the smear of white blood cells, makes it possible to make a diagnosis. The most common symptoms of leukemia are anemia, thrombocytopenia, and an excess of white blood cells.
If the hematologist is not sure about the diagnosis, he may refer the patient for further tests, including chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound. Changes in individual organs can help confirm suspected leukemia.
Leukemia Tests
- morphology with smear
- Abdominal ultrasound (including the spleen)
- Chest X-ray.
What causes blood cancer?
Blood cancer – the causes of this cancer- However, specialists list four main groups of factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The first is genetic predisposition – if leukemia cases have occurred in your family, it is worth regularly monitoring your health in this regard.
The second group consists of agents of an infectious nature – there is a suspicion that some viruses may lead to the formation of hematopoietic mutations.
The third group, in turn, includes various physical factors that favor the increase in the growing tendency of white cells.
Prevention of blood cancer for adults
As a result, the best way to avoid blood cancer is to maintain overall health by treating even seemingly small illnesses on a regular basis and not ignoring any symptoms that may suggest a weakening of the immune system. Oncologists also emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition in cancer prevention – eating large amounts of vegetables and fruit while limiting processed foods and meat is considered the most beneficial.
Moreover, 20% of all leukemia cases links to smoking – an active lifestyle. Cigarettes also affect offspring – and it’s not just passive smoking. If at least one of the parents smoked while trying for a baby, the risk of developing the leukemia mutation in the fetus is greater than in non-smoking families.
What diet should I follow for blood cancer?
It is important to note that blood cancer and food have no unique link, assuming that the diet is diversified and balanced. Colorectal or colon cancer is even more demanding in this regard since it necessitates rigorous attention to medical guidelines. Meanwhile, if the patient tolerates the chemotherapy and treatment well, he can continue on his present diet.
However, it is important to note that, while leukemia is not esophageal cancer and does not necessitate a semi-liquid or liquid diet.
People undergoing blood cancer treatment have an increased demand for protein, and their appetite may be very weakened, which will lead to exhaustion of the body and deterioration of the effectiveness of the therapy.
Blood cancer treatment – what does it look like?
The aim of the therapy is to inhibit the growth of blood cells diagnosed as pathological. If, in addition, there are tumors affecting selected organs, it is necessary to introduce chemotherapy.
What is the prognosis for blood cancer in adults?
Leukemia is relatively mild in many patients and has a life span of 20-30 years from the onset of the disease. This happens even in 30% of cases. Unfortunately, leukemia is more likely to progress aggressively in a situation.
The average survival time is 3 years. If you suffer from blood cancer, visit the best hematology hospital in Coimbatore to rectify all types of blood cancer in adults.
Systematic preventive examinations are the best way to quickly detect blood cancers. We should perform a blood test once a year because it allows us to detect the first abnormalities related to the functioning of the hematopoietic system.
