Blood cancer – a large group of malignant blood diseases characterized by disorders of the processes of formation, differentiation and maturation of blood cells (mainly leukocytic series) with the gradual displacement of healthy functionally active cells. This is one of the most common oncologic pathologies in children. Men and women suffer from it equally often.
Initial signs of leukemia are nonspecific – patients often take them for symptoms of acute respiratory infections or general fatigue. However, the earlier the disease is detected and treatment is started, the higher the chances of recovery. That is why even in the absence of signs of ill health, you should periodically (every 6-12 months) undergo preventive examinations with a doctor and take the necessary minimum of tests.
Types of blood cancer
Classification of leukemia according to the features of the development and course of the disease includes acute and chronic forms. Moreover, these are two independent groups of malignant neoplasms, not related to each other and not flowing one into the other, their characteristics are radically different from the usual ideas about acute and chronic diseases.
- Acute are leukemia, in which mutate mainly immature, blast cells. They proceed with vivid symptoms, require aggressive therapy and are characterized by an unfavorable prognosis.
- In chronic blood cancer, the changes affect mature or maturing blood cells. The disease is classified according to the type of cells that are overgrowing. Almost all of its variants develop for a long time and proceed relatively benignly.
Symptoms of blood cancer
Clinical signs of leukemia appear 1-3 months after the onset of hematopoietic cell mutation. They are nonspecific, characteristic of all forms of leukemia, as well as for a number of other diseases not related to hematology.
The rate and intensity of symptom development depend on the rate of development and localization of the cancer process, the degree of intoxication of the body, the deficit of normal blood cells, lesions of the hematopoietic, lymphatic, nervous system and internal organs.
There are several stages of blood cancer development:
- initial;
- clinical (of advanced manifestations);
- remission;
- convalescence;
- relapse;
- terminal stage.
The symptoms of acute leukemia are more pronounced and increase rapidly. Signs of the chronic form of blood cancer develop quite slowly.
The leading symptoms of leukemia:
- general weakness, drowsiness, malaise, night sweats;
- pain in joints, muscles, bones, resistant to analgesics;
- unexplained rise in body temperature to subfebrile and febrile values;
- decreased appetite, weight loss in a short period of time for no apparent reason;
- shortness of breath, palpitations.
Blood disorders are manifested by anemic (dizziness, pallor, tachycardia, dyspnea) and hemorrhagic (small subcutaneous and intra-organ hemorrhages, bleeding gums, nosebleeds) syndrome. In neuroleukemia, severe nausea, vomiting, headaches, unsteady gait, muscle paralysis are observed.
There may be a significant increase in lymph nodes, thymus, liver, spleen, the formation of infiltrates in other internal organs.
The patient may die at any of the stages due to hemorrhagic or infectious complications.
Causes of blood cancer
Because of the more frequent occurrence of leukemia within families, it is said about hereditary predisposition to pathology. An increased risk of getting sick is noted in patients with chromosomal abnormalities and immune diseases. Also risk factors are:
- contact with carcinogens;
- exposure to ionizing radiation, high-frequency magnetic fields;
- certain infections (especially HIV);
- a history of chemotherapy for other oncopathology;
- smoking, including passive smoking.
The causes of leukemia in adults and children have not been definitively established. People at risk should have regular preventive examinations.
Treatment of blood cancer
Therapy tactics are determined individually, strictly depending on the clinical situation – type, stage of leukemia, the general condition of the patient. As a rule, treatment is carried out in an oncohematology hospital.
The main direction of treatment is chemotherapy. Depending on the cellular composition of the tumor, the doctor will prescribe the patient a course of polychemotherapy – several effective cytostatic drugs. After the main course of chemotherapy, a consolidation and maintenance course of chemotherapy will be conducted, which will help to achieve a stable remission and minimize the risk of recurrence.
Polychemotherapy is carried out in cycles of several procedures of drug administration with a certain length of breaks between them. The breaks are necessary to allow the body to recover from the toxic effects of cytostatics (unfortunately, most of these drugs damage not only malignant, but also actively dividing healthy cells). During such breaks, the patient receives supportive therapy to normalize the work of internal organs, increase the body’s defenses, and antibacterial drugs.
To prevent damage to the central nervous system, local injection of chemopreparations into the cerebrospinal fluid and irradiation of the head are used. Some patients undergo radiation therapy of lymph nodes and internal organs. In some cases, only bone marrow transplantation can achieve recovery or remission.
Prevention
Specific prevention of leukemia in women and men does not exist – there are no guaranteed ways to avoid the occurrence of pathology. However, compliance with a number of measures of nonspecific prevention will reduce the risk of developing blood cancer. You should:
- Observe the work and rest regime – have a good rest, avoid overwork and stress;
- Give up bad habits, especially smoking;
- Carry out adequate prevention of infectious diseases, especially HIV infection;
- Avoid contact with carcinogenic chemicals;
- Regularly (every 6-12 months) undergo preventive examinations with a therapist, take the necessary minimum of laboratory tests;
- If the above symptoms and signs of blood cancer occur, contact a doctor for diagnosis.
Conclusion
Blood cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires early detection and timely treatment. Since its symptoms are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for common illnesses, regular medical check-ups and laboratory tests play a crucial role in early diagnosis. Advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation have significantly improved patient outcomes, making long-term remission and recovery possible.
Although there are no guaranteed ways to prevent leukemia, leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, and monitoring overall health can help reduce risks. Awareness, early intervention, and adherence to treatment protocols remain key factors in successfully managing blood cancer.
