Cancer care at ZenHeal
Blood Cancer: symptoms, tests and treatment
Blood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. They start in the bone marrow or lymph nodes rather than forming a single lump. Many types respond very well to chemotherapy and targeted drugs, and some are curable.
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Warning signs of blood cancer
- Repeated fevers or infections
- Unusual tiredness and pale skin from low haemoglobin
- Easy bruising, bleeding gums or red spots on the skin
- Painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin
- Bone pain, back pain or night sweats
- Weight loss without trying
These signs often have other causes. If one lasts more than two to three weeks, see a doctor and get it checked.
Who is at higher risk
- Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Exposure to benzene and some pesticides
- Some genetic conditions
- Weak immunity
- Older age for myeloma and some leukaemias
How blood cancer is diagnosed
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1
Complete blood count and peripheral smear
The first test that shows abnormal blood cells.
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2
Bone marrow test
A small sample from the hip bone confirms leukaemia or myeloma and its type.
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3
Lymph node biopsy
Confirms lymphoma and its subtype.
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4
Flow cytometry, genetic tests and PET-CT
Decide the exact type, risk group and stage, which guide treatment.
Treatment options
The right plan depends on the stage, the type of cancer and your overall health. Most patients receive more than one of these.
Chemotherapy
The backbone of treatment for most leukaemias and lymphomas, given in planned cycles.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Drugs such as rituximab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors that act on specific cancer cell features.
Radiotherapy
Used for some lymphomas and to relieve bone pain in myeloma.
Supportive care
Blood transfusions, infection prevention and ICU support during intensive treatment.
Blood Cancer treatment at ZenHeal
ZenHeal oncologists confirm the diagnosis, give chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and manage infections and transfusions with a 24x7 ICU. A medical oncologist and hemato-oncologist is also available by video for treatment planning.
Doctors who treat blood cancer
Common questions about blood cancer
Several types are curable, including many childhood leukaemias and Hodgkin lymphoma. Others, like chronic myeloid leukaemia, are controlled for many years with daily tablets.
No. Most patients are treated with chemotherapy or targeted drugs. A transplant is advised only for certain types and situations.
Many regimens are given as day care. Some leukaemia treatments need admission for a few weeks because of infection risk.
Other cancer types
Diagnosed or worried about blood cancer?
Upload your reports for a free review, or ask a ZenHeal oncologist to call you back.