Persistent fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss or bruising? These common symptoms could signal blood cancer. Early detection is crucial for better recovery and treatment.
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Timely diagnosis can make treatment easier and increase the chances of recovery. In some cases, advanced treatments such as blood stem cell transplantation may be recommended. Some of the major symptoms of blood cancer are:Unusual Bleeding and Bruising: Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, skin turning bluish even after minor injuries, or the appearance of small purple spots on the skin may signal leukaemia. These symptoms can occur due to low platelet levels.Persistent Fatigue: If you constantly feel weak or exhausted despite not engaging in physical work, and the fatigue does not improve even after adequate rest, it may be a warning sign. Shortness of breath along with tiredness should not be ignored. Blood cancer can reduce the production of red blood cells, leading to anaemia, which causes fatigue.Unexplained Weight Loss and Night Sweats: Losing weight without dieting or exercise, excessive night sweats, and painless lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin may indicate lymphoma. Persistent pain in the bones, spine, or ribs could be a symptom of multiple myeloma.The symptoms of PAM resemble those of bacterial meningitis, which makes diagnosis difficult. They typically appear between one and nine days after exposure and may develop acutely within hours. (Image: Pexels)Tests for Diagnosis: If these symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. Physicians may recommend several tests, including: Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check levels of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Bone marrow biopsy to examine the marrow samples and confirm the cancer type. Imaging tests such as Chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Flow cytometry and other specialised diagnostic procedures.Treatment depends on the type and severity of blood cancer. Available options include: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplantation. Stem cell transplantation is often considered a major breakthrough treatment. In this procedure, damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells, helping regenerate blood cells and restore immune function. However, the best outcomes are seen when the disease is detected in its early stages.Blood cancer symptoms can be subtle and easy to ignore. Persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, unusual bleeding, or sudden weight loss should never be taken lightly. Early diagnosis can save lives.
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Cancer is emerging as one of the biggest health challenges worldwide, with cases rising sharply in recent years. One of the primary reasons for poor outcomes is the failure to recognise symptoms in the early stages. Many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed, reducing the chances of recovery. Persistent fatigue and recurring fever are often ignored, but they could be early warning signs of blood cancer.
