blood cancer warning signs: The most dangerous aspect of blood cancer is that its early symptoms often resemble general fatigue or fever. Therefore, if the body gives signals again and again, do not take it lightly.
Blood cancer, a name that causes fear as soon as you hear it. But the truth is that if its initial symptoms are identified, it is possible to control and treat it in time. Often people ignore its signs and by the time it is detected, the disease has reached its last stage. Let us know what happens inside the body in the last stage of blood cancer and what are the initial symptoms to identify it.
What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer occurs when the blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) produced in the bone marrow start growing uncontrollably. These abnormal cells replace the normal blood cells, due to which the body’s immune system becomes weak and oxygen supply gets disturbed. There are three types of blood cancer.
- Leukemia – When white cells in the blood start increasing very rapidly.
- Lymphoma – When the lymph nodes and lymphatic system are affected.
- Myeloma – When plasma cells become cancerous.
Read more – 54 year old Tabu eats this white thing to her heart’s content, yet she is as fit as Lady Singham.
What happens in the body in the last stage of blood cancer?
In the last stage of blood cancer i.e. Stage 4, cancer cells have spread to different parts of the body like liver, spleen, bone, lymph nodes and sometimes even the brain. In this condition the functioning of normal blood cells is completely disrupted.
Breakdown of the immune system: In this condition the body is not able to fight even small infections. Frequent fever, chills and infections become common.
Anemia and fatigue: Due to less red blood cells, there is lack of oxygen in the body. The patient always feels tired, short of breath, and the body starts turning pale.
Bleeding and Bruising: Due to decrease in platelets, bleeding does not stop even in minor injuries. Bleeding from the gums, nose or formation of blue marks on the skin are common signs.
Pain in bones and joints: The growth of cancer cells in the bone marrow causes severe pain or swelling in the bones. Even walking becomes difficult.
Weight loss and loss of appetite: The body’s energy is continuously used to fight against the cells, due to which the weight decreases rapidly.
Read more – If BP gets low, do these 7 things immediately, it can save your life.
Recognize the early 7 symptoms of blood cancer in time
- recurring fever or infection
- persistent weakness and fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- yellowing or discoloration of the skin
- Swelling of lymph nodes (near the neck, armpits, thighs)
- excessive sweating at night
- Blood not stopping for a long time in small wounds or cuts
If these symptoms persist for more than 2-3 weeks, contact a doctor immediately.
How is blood cancer diagnosed?
Doctors do many types of tests and diagnoses for this. Like CBC (Complete Blood Count) test means the amount of WBC, RBC and Platelets in the blood is checked. The second Bone Marrow Biopsy tells how much the cancer cells have grown. Thirdly, the type of cancer and its spread is detected through Flow Cytometry/Genetic Tests.