Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, refers to a group of cancers that affect the production and function of blood cells. It occurs when abnormal cells in the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow, lymphatic system, or blood, grow uncontrollably and interfere with the normal functioning of the blood.
There are three main types of blood cancer:
1. Leukemia: It affects the white blood cells and their ability to fight infections. Leukemia can be acute (rapidly progressing) or chronic (slowly progressing).
2. Lymphoma: It affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections. Lymphomas are further divided into two types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Myeloma: It affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight infections.
Symptoms of blood cancer may include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain. Treatment options for blood cancer depend on the specific type and stage of the disease but may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation.