Dr. Byreddy Poojitha, a Hemato-oncologist and BMT Physician at CARE Hospitals in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, highlighted that although leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma garner significant attention, there are numerous less familiar blood cancer variations deserving recognition.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2023: Shedding Light on Lesser-Known Blood Cancer Types
Blood Cancer Awareness Month is observed worldwide in September every year, aiming to raise awareness about the various types of blood cancer and their impact. Raising this awareness is vital for early detection, effective treatment, and offering support to patients and their families.
Dr. Niti Krishna Raizada, Senior Director of Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology at Fortis Hospitals in Bangalore, emphasized that advancements in research and treatment have significantly improved the prognosis for many blood cancer patients.
Dr. Byreddy Poojitha, a Hemato-oncologist and BMT Physician at CARE Hospitals in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, noted that while leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are more well-known blood cancer types, several lesser-known variations also deserve attention.
Here are some of these lesser-known blood cancer types:
1. Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A group of rare blood disorders where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to issues like anemia, infections, and bleeding. In some cases, MDS can progress to acute leukemia, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
2. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs): These blood cancers involve the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow. Conditions like polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis fall under this category and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life due to symptoms like fatigue, blood clots, and an increased risk of leukemia.
3. Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL): An extremely rare form of leukemia that affects B cells. It is named for the hair-like projections on the surface of cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. Despite being slow-growing, HCL can be challenging to treat.
4. Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: This rare lymphoma impacts the bone marrow and blood, leading to the overproduction of a protein called immunoglobulin M (IgM). It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding, and nerve problems.
5. Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL): A rare subtype of chronic myeloid leukemia primarily affecting eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. CEL can manifest various symptoms, including skin rashes, fatigue, and organ damage.
Raising awareness and supporting those affected by blood cancer can be achieved through educational campaigns, fundraising, blood and bone marrow donations, support groups, and advocacy. These efforts contribute to improving the lives of individuals impacted by all forms of blood cancer.
