Blood cancer represents a complex group of diseases that affects millions of people worldwide, including in Great Falls and the surrounding Montana communities.1 Understanding this condition is crucial for early detection, proper treatment, and improved outcomes.
What Blood Cancer Really Means for Real People
Blood cancer isn’t as straightforward as a tumor. It’s a little more sneaky. It occurs when abnormal cells in the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system begin to reproduce uncontrollably. Unlike other tumors that form solid tumors, blood cancers affect the production and function of blood cells. The disease typically begins in the bone marrow, disrupting the normal production of red blood cells. Soon, the defective cells start to crowd out the healthy ones.2
This disruption can lead to complications throughout the body, negatively affecting the immune system; as well as interfere with the body’s ability to carry oxygen and form clots – both deficiencies can lead to fatigue, bleeding disorders, and other life-threatening conditions.1,2
Understanding The Three Main Types of Blood Cancer
There are three primary types of blood cancer, and each type behaves differently, affects different parts of your blood system, and responds to different treatments.
Leukemia
This is the most well-known type of blood cancer and affects white blood cells. Leukemia originates in the bone marrow and produces abnormal white blood cells that are unable to fight infection. Leukemia can be acute or chronic, affecting both adults and children.3
Lymphoma
This type of blood cancer affects the lymphatic system, which is also part of the immune system. The two types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both produce abnormal lymphocytes, called lymphoma cells, that circulate in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs, disrupting the immune system’s ability to fight infection.4
Myeloma
This blood cancer affects plasma cells that produce antibodies, also hindering the body’s ability to fight infection. Multiple myeloma, which originates in the bone marrow, is the most common and is associated with bone pain, increased incidence of fractures, and kidney damage.5
Recognizing The Warning Signs of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer symptoms can vary, depending on the type and stage of cancer. However, there are some common signs to be aware of:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness. Even after sufficient rest, individuals may feel unusually tired. This is due to the cancer cells’ impact on the body to effectively carry oxygen throughout the body.1,6
- Frequent infections. This may indicate a compromised immune system due to the presence of abnormal white blood cells.6
- Easily bruising and bleeding. Blood cancer affects platelet production, making it difficult for blood to clot properly. An individual may begin to notice unusual bleeding from the nose and gums.6
- Other symptoms. Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and joint pain.6
Understanding Risk Factors and Getting the Right Diagnosis
While the exact causes of blood cancer are unknown, research has identified several risk factors that could increase a person’s likelihood of developing one of the three types of blood cancers. These risk factors include age, genetics, environmental risk factors, and the presence of an immune system disorder.
There are excellent diagnostic tools that accurately identify blood cancers and determine the best treatment method. While blood tests are the beginning point, they are not sufficient for a cancer diagnosis. A panel of testing will be required.
- Complete blood count (CBC) and flow cytometry
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging studies, such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs
- DNA sequencing
Management and Treatment Options in Great Falls, MT
Blood cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, offering Great Falls patients access to cutting-edge therapies through local oncology centers and partnerships with major medical institutions.6
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment, using powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Targeted therapy represents a newer approach, using drugs that specifically attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unharmed.
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, offering promising results for many patients who may not respond to traditional treatments.
Stem cell transplants may be recommended for certain cases, replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore normal blood cell production.
Specialized Blood Cancer Care at Great Falls Hospital
At Great Falls Clinic Cancer Center, our board-certified specialists create personalized treatment plans for your specific blood cancer. Our patient-centered approach combines advanced therapies with compassionate care to improve outcomes while minimizing side effects. We understand blood cancer affects every aspect of your life and provide comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey.
Ready to schedule a consultation? Call us at (406) 205-1915 or visit https://gfclinic.com/department/oncology-hematology-cancer-center/ to learn more.
Sources:
- (2020). Blood Cancers. Bristol Myers Squibb. https://www.bms.com/assets/bms/us/en-us/pdf/Disease-State-Info/blood-cancers-at-a-glance.pdf#:~:text=performing%20important%20functions.%20Refer%20to%20our%20disease%2Dspecific,for%20approximately%206%25%20of%20all%20cancer%20cases.
- Blood Cancers. America Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers
- Leukemia. America Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers/leukemia
- Lymphoma. America Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers/lymphoma
- Myeloma. America Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers/myeloma
- Blood Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Leukemia Foundation. https://www.leukaemia.org.au/blood-cancer/blood-cancer-signs-and-symptoms/#:~:text=Common%20blood%20cancer%20symptoms,Lumps%20or%20swellings
- Blood Test For Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22338-blood-tests-for-cancer