Diagnosing Blood Cancer
When blood cancer is suspected, doctors typically order blood tests to assess the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bloodstream. These tests can also detect the presence of the M protein produced by myeloma cells. Additionally, a bone marrow biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure for blood cancer. During this procedure, a doctor uses a long, thin needle to collect a sample of bone marrow, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the case of suspected lymphoma, a physician may recommend a lymph node biopsy, which involves the removal of all or part of a lymph node for further testing in a laboratory. Furthermore, imaging tests can be utilized to identify bone damage resulting from multiple myeloma or to determine the extent of cancer spread throughout the body.
Blood Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy
The treatment of blood cancer varies depending on several factors, including the patient’s age, the specific type of cancer, the extent of the cancer’s spread, and the overall health of the individual. One widely used treatment option is chemotherapy, a procedure that involves the use of one or more drugs to target and eliminate cancer cells. These drugs can be administered to patients either in the form of pills or through injections, as determined by the doctor.