Comprehensive Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi at Amerix Cancer Hospital

Blood cancer is a serious condition that affects the production and function of blood cells. Delhi is home to several hospitals that offer treatment for blood cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants. Choosing the right hospital is important because blood cancer requires specialized care and long-term treatment. The hospital should have experienced doctors with proper diagnostic equipment which uses the latest technologies. It is also important to ensure that the hospital has a range of treatment options available to provide the best results.

Blood cells are made in bone marrow. Most of the blood cancers originate in the bone marrow. It can affect various kinds of blood cells like the RBC, WBC and even platelets. When these cells are affected by cancer, they can no longer carry out their regular function.  As cancerous blood cells multiply, they crowd out healthy cells, leading to problems like infections, anaemia, and excessive bleeding. Most cancers, like lung, skin and others, develop a lump, but blood cancers don’t develop lumps; they spread through the blood. 

Some types of blood cancer grow fast and require urgent treatment, while others develop slowly and may not show symptoms for years. Early diagnosis helps in starting the right treatment at the right time. Blood cancer can occur in people of all ages, but children are more affected than adults. Like most cancers, the cause of blood cancer is also unknown. Studies show that factors such as genetic mutations, exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, and a weakened immune system can increase the risk. 

Types of Blood Cancer

Blood cancer is divided into different types. The main ones include:

Leukaemia:

• It affects white blood cells and prevents the bone marrow from making healthy blood cells. Leukaemia can be acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-growing).
• Acute leukaemia develops quickly and needs immediate treatment. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, frequent infections, and unusual bruising.
• Chronicleukaemiaa progresses slowly, and some patients may not need treatment right away. Routine blood checkups mainly detect this type of cancer before the symptoms appear.

Lymphoma:

• Lymphoma blood cancer majorly affects the immune system of the body by originating in the lymphatic system. There are several lymph nodes in the lymphatic system where the lymphoma originates.
• The two main types of lymphoma cancers are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Symptoms vary highly among patients, but they mainly include swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, weight loss, and persistent fatigue.
• Several treatment methods for lymphoma are available, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. The best treatment for you depends on the type and stage of the cancer.

Multiple Myeloma:

• It affects plasma cells, which help fight infections. Abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably, leading to weakened bones, kidney problems, and a compromised immune system.
• Symptoms may include bone pain, frequent infections, and anaemia. Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplants.
•  

Each type of blood cancer requires a different treatment approach, so early and accurate diagnosis is important for effective management.

Stages of Blood Cancer

Blood cancer is classified into different stages depending on how advanced the disease is and how much it has spread. Unlike solid tumours, blood cancer does not form a single mass, so staging is based on factors such as the number of abnormal cells in the blood, bone marrow involvement, and the impact on organs.

• Stage 1: This is the earliest stage, where the number of abnormal blood cells is still low, and the lymph nodes may be slightly swollen. Symptoms are mild or may not be noticeable at all. There is a high chance of survival if the cancer is detected in stage 1. This also means that the patient can choose between different treatment options. 
• Stage 2: In this stage, abnormal cells start increasing in number, and lymph nodes become more swollen. Symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and frequent infections may begin to appear. Treatment is necessary at this point to prevent further progression.
• Stage 3: Cancer cells multiply rapidly, spreading further into the blood, bone marrow, and sometimes other organs like the liver or spleen. Symptoms become more severe, including significant weight loss, anaemia, and increased risk of infections. Intensive treatment is required to control the disease.
• Stage 4: This is the most advanced stage, where cancer cells have spread extensively throughout the body. The immune system is severely weakened, and multiple organs may be affected. Treatment at this stage focuses on controlling the disease progression and trying to reduce the symptoms, making the lives of patients easier.

The symptoms of blood cancer vary depending on the type, but some common signs include:

• Persistent Fatigue: Patients often feel extremely weak, even after rest. This happens because cancer affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen to different body parts.
• Frequent Infections: White blood cells help fight infections. In blood cancer, their function is reduced, making the body more vulnerable to repeated illnesses.
• Unusual Bruising or Bleeding: Blood cancer lowers platelet counts, making it harder for the blood to clot. This can lead to excessive bruising, bleeding gums, or frequent nosebleeds.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin may become enlarged as the body tries to fight abnormal blood cells.
• Bone or Joint Pain: Blood cancer can cause bone and joint pain due to abnormal cell growth in the bone marrow.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Some patients lose weight without any changes in diet or lifestyle. This is a common sign of many types of blood cancer.

If any of these symptoms persist, it is essential to consult a doctor for further tests.

Blood cancer is diagnosed through a series of tests that help doctors confirm the disease and determine its type and stage. Early diagnosis is essential in starting the right treatment at the right time.

• Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the first tests done. It checks the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities in these counts may indicate blood cancer.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy may be needed if blood test results are not typical. A small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
• Lymph Node Biopsy: If there is swelling in the lymph nodes, doctors may take a small tissue sample for further analysis.
• Flow Cytometry: This test helps identify the type of blood cancer by analysing the proteins in cancer cells.

A combination of these tests helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis and decide on the best treatment approach.

The treatment for blood cancer depends on the patient's type, stage, and overall health. Different treatment options are available, and the choice of treatment is made based on how aggressive the cancer is and how the patient responds to therapy.

Chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for blood cancer. It uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. The drugs are given through injections, tablets, or intravenous infusions.
• Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, with rest periods in between to allow the body to recover.
• Side effects may include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

Targeted Therapy:

• Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects cancer and healthy cells, targeted therapy only attacks cancer cells.
• This treatment is usually given in pill form or as an injection.
• Targeted therapy is used in certain types of blood cancer, such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

Immunotherapy:

• Immunotherapy helps boost the immune system to fight cancer cells.
• It includes treatments like monoclonal antibodies, which attach to cancer cells and help the body’s immune system destroy them.
• Immunotherapy is still being studied for some blood cancers but has shown positive results in some instances.

Stem Cell Transplant:

• A stem cell transplant replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is often recommended when other treatments do not work well.
• The procedure starts with high-dose chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells, followed by a transplant of healthy cells from a donor or the patient’s own body.
• Recovery takes time, and the patient needs close monitoring to prevent infections and complications.

Radiation Therapy:

• Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat blood cancer, mainly if it has spread to specific areas like the brain or lymph nodes.
• It may also be used before a stem cell transplant to clear the bone marrow of cancer cells.
•  

Blood cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. While the exact cause is not always known, studies have identified several factors which can increase the chances of getting blood cancer. These include:

• Weakened Immune System: If a person has a weak immune system due to a disease condition, they have a greater chance of developing blood cancer.
• Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Some chemicals like benzene, commonly found in industries and tobacco smoke, and several others have been shown to develop certain types of blood cancer.
• Age: The risk of blood cancer increases with age, though some types, like leukaemia, can also affect children.
• Family History: A close relative with blood cancer may slightly increase the risk, though most cases are not inherited.
• Radiation Exposure: High levels of radiation exposure, such as radiation therapy or nuclear exposure, may increase the chances of developing blood cancer.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that may contribute to blood cancer.

The cost of blood cancer treatment can vary among patients depending on many factors. Understanding these factors will help you plan your finances better. These factors are also important when you want to find the best blood cancer treatment hospital in Delhi. The following factors will influence the total cost of lung cancer treatments:

• Diagnostic tests and imaging
• Type and stage of cancer
• Prescribed treatments. Some patients may require multiple chemotherapy radiation therapy sessions, which can increase the cost.
• Doctor’s expertise and hospital amenities
• Medicines prescribed post-treatment
• Physiotherapy therapy sessions, if required
• Psychiatric counselling, if required

Amerix Cancer Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Delhi for blood cancer treatment. It is determined to provide world-class patient care through its multidisciplinary team of specialists, the latest equipment, and personalised treatment plans.

Amerix Cancer Hospital offers a full range of services, from advanced diagnostics like Ultrasounds, MRI, X-ray, and CT scans to cutting-edge treatments such as robotic surgery, targeted therapy, etc.

The hospital also provides holistic care, including nutritional counselling, physiotherapy, and psychological support. 

You may book a consultation today for any queries about blood cancer, treatment options, costs, and facilities at Amerix Cancer Hospital.