Blood Cancer

Overview

Blood Cancer is also known as Leukemia. There are mainly 4 types of Leukemia depending on the cell line involved. In people with Leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells which does not function properly.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever with or without chills, Weakness, Fatigue, Weight loss, Swollen lymph nodes, Easy bruising or bleeding, Tiny red spots on the skin, Excessive sweating, Bone pain or tenderness, Enlarged spleen or liver, Frequent or recurrent infections, Anemia

Common Causes

Radiation exposure, Exposure to certain chemicals, Genetic factors

Risk Factors

Previous cancer treatment where people who have had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy of other cancers, Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome has some association, Smoking cigarettes, Family history of leukemia, Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene which is found in gasoline

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Urinalysis, Blood cultures, Liver function test, Blood sugar level,Clotting factors, CT scan, Bone marrow test

Treatment and Prevention

Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Antibiotics for infection, Supportive therapy such as blood or platelet transfusions and IV fluids, Bone marrow or stem cell transplant