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Blood Cancer
- Days In Hospital 10 days
- Outside Hospital Stay 30 days
- Success Rate 75%
Minimum Cost
$ 12000
Maximum Cost.
$ 30000
Most Asked Procedures
Overview of Blood Cancer in India
The presence of cancer cells in the blood can lead to various types of blood cancers. The three main groups are multiple myeloma, leukaemia and lymphoma. These three types are then further divided into their subtypes based on how they present the disease. Some symptoms may be associated with each kind and are usually not significantly different from one another, making it difficult to differentiate them based solely on signs and symptoms.
The symptoms can range from what appears to be a mild allergy to serious complications, depending on the extent of the disease involved. The staging of the disease is based on several factors, including the total blood count, the total healthy normal blood counts, damage to the bone, and involvement of organs.
The neoplastic cells, which originated in the bone, do not behave normally and hence create negative consequences for the body. India ranks third in the number of blood cancers. An estimated 70,000 men and women suffer from blood cancer, which has the highest frequency of lymphomas. And approximately 1,00,000 cases are being reported every year. Poor hygiene in low-income countries and excessive use of chemicals, as in cigarette smoking, are preeminent risk factors. 60-90% of blood cancer patients survive in India; however, it is determined by the type of cancer and stage.
Blood cancer treatment cost in India depends on the type of treatment, existing medical condition, hospital and the city you choose to complete the treatment at. In India, the highest cost is approximately 26,593 USD.
What Is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer influences your body's production of blood cells and the functions of those cells. Most blood cancers begin in your bone marrow, the soft, sponge-like material at the centre of your bones. Your bone marrow produces stem cells that then grow and become:
- Red blood cells - these carry oxygen through your body
- White blood cells - these fight infection
- Platelets - these control bleeding
Blood cancer occurs when something interferes with the production of blood cells in your body. Cancer cells are unable to perform the functions that blood cells do. Instead, the abnormal blood cells proliferate uncontrollably and outnumber the normal cells.
Like any cancer diagnosis, a blood cancer diagnosis is serious. The good news is that more and more people are surviving blood cancer.
Types of Blood Cancer:
Blood cancers are classified into three different types: leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a blood cancer that occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells. These abnormal blood cells impair the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells and platelets. Leukaemia falls into the following categories:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL): Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a rapidly progressing cancer of lymphoid cells.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a slow-growing cancer of lymphoid cells and generally occurs in elderly persons.
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing cancer of myeloid cells.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML): Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is a slow-progressing cancer of myeloid cells.
Lymphoma
An abnormal growth of lymphocytes causes a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps remove excess amounts of fluid from the body and produces immune cells. When lymphocytes behave abnormally, they are referred to as lymphoma cells. These lymphoma cells grow uncontrollably in the lymph nodes and other tissues. There are different types of lymphoma:
Hodgkin Lymphoma: Defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. The two subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma are: classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): There are many subtypes of NHL, including:
- Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL),
- Follicular Lymphoma,
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma,
- Burkitt Lymphoma,
- Marginal Zone Lymphoma, and
- T-cell Lymphomas.
Myeloma
This type of blood cancer is called myeloma, and it affects plasma cells (the white blood cells that produce disease-fighting antibodies in the body). Myeloma interferes with the production of plasma cells, leaving the immune system vulnerable.
Other rarer types of blood cancer are:
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). MPN is a group of blood cancers characterised by the overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets in the bone marrow.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In MDS, the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells. Sometimes, blood cells are abnormal because they are not fully developed. The immature cells are called blasts.
Blood cancer staging informs therapy choices and aids in assessing the disease's severity. There are various staging systems for blood malignancies, and each one takes into account elements such as the size and extent of the tumours, whether lymph nodes or other organs are involved, and whether symptoms are present. An outline of the usual staging of blood malignancies is provided below:
Staging Leukaemia
Leukaemia is staged differently from solid tumours, as it is categorised into two types: acute (a rapidly growing cancer) or chronic (a slow-growing cancer). Leukaemia staging does not use a numbered system; however, other factors (such as specific genetic abnormalities) may help differentiate prognosis and treatment.
Staging Lymphoma
There is a staging system for lymphoma (Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma) called the Ann Arbour stage system.
Stage I: There is cancer in a lymph node region or one organ.
Stage II: Cancer affects two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (Stage II) or one organ with its regional lymph nodes (Stage IIE).
Stage III: Cancer has involved lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm, possibly involving nearby organs or tissue.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to one or more organs or tissues that are distant from the tumour or organ of origin, such as the liver or bone marrow.
Multiple Myeloma Staging
Multiple myeloma staging commonly uses the International Staging System (ISS), which is based on two blood tests: beta-2 microglobulin and the serum albumin level.
Stage I: Low beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin
Stage II: Intermediate beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin
Stage III: Elevated beta-2 microglobulin.
Procedure:
Chemotherapy:
Strong medications can kill cancer cells in blood cancer. Chemotherapy destroys cancer and slows its growth, but it destroys healthy cells, and this is why it can cause side effects.
Immunotherapy:
To destroy blood cancer, the drugs attack the environment of the tumour. Immunotherapy can strengthen your immune system. Immunotherapy techniques include:
- monoclonal antibodies
- T-cell therapy.
Radiation therapy:
A form of treatment that targets you with very high doses of X-rays, or proton therapy, from the outside to where your tumour is in your body. Radiation therapy destroys the blood cancer cells and kills the pain caused by cancer.
Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplantation:
Stem cell transplantation involves using stem cells to replace damaged blood-forming stem cells. Stem cells can develop into all types of blood cells (including the three main types: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), and could be an option for blood cancers with a very slow growth rate.
Blood transfusions:
A blood transfusion can use healthy red blood cells and platelets from someone else to replace your damaged red blood cells and platelets. Some patients with blood diseases, such as myeloma and lymphoma, require blood transfusions for various reasons to replenish their supply of healthy red blood cells and platelets.
Targeted drug therapy:
Targeted drug therapy refers to specific drugs that attack the genetic abnormalities that transform normal cells into abnormal cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy relates to cancer treatment drugs.
Hormone therapy:
Hormonal therapy is beneficial in certain blood cancers, such as some types of leukaemia and lymphomas, where hormones stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Hormonal therapy works by blocking or inhibiting hormones.
Best Doctors in India
Cost of Blood Cancer in India
|
Treatment |
Range |
|
Chemotherapy |
2175.8 - 2543.95 USD |
|
Radiation therapy |
13296.67- 22441.69 USD |
|
Bone marrow transplant |
12087.88 - 18131.82 USD |
|
Others |
1208 - 14505 USD |
Top Hospitals in India
Indications of Blood Cancer:
Some people with blood cancer may not initially show any apparent symptoms, and different blood cancer types may present with a unique set of symptoms that can differ from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of various forms of blood cancer include the following:
Common Symptoms
Fatigue: Prolonged tiredness and lack of energy that does not get better with rest.
Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss for no reason or a loss of a significant amount of appetite.
Frequent infections: Becoming susceptible to diseases as the immune system is weakened.
Easy bruising and bleeding: Bruising for no reason, bleeding for no reason, or bleeding longer than the usual repair time for surface injuries.
Bone or joint pain: Tiredness in the bones or joints, usually in the back or limbs.
Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Specific Symptoms by Blood Cancer Type
Leukaemia
Recurrent infections happen as a result of the production of abnormal white blood cells.
Anaemia: This occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells, resulting in fatigue and weakness.
Petechiae: small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin.
Lymphoma
Swollen lymph node(s): painless lumps found in the neck, armpits, or groin
Night sweats: heavy sweating, especially at night
Fever: fever that is recurrent and unexplained
Myeloma
Bone pain: pain in the back or ribs from bone damage
Frequent infections: weakness of the immune system
Kidney problems: increased thirst and urination or confusion may occur
It's crucial to remember that these symptoms are not always indicative of blood cancer and might be linked to several different medical issues. However, for a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and suitable treatment, it is best to consult a healthcare provider if you have persistent symptoms or are concerned about your health.
Blood Cancer Causes
Numerous variables and genetic alterations have been discovered as potential contributors to blood cancers, even though there is no single, well-defined cause for these tumours. The following variables are linked to a higher risk of blood cancer:
- Genetic Factors: Genetic factors, such as familial mutations, can be a risk factor for blood cancers. Some people will have a family history of blood cancers, which can suggest genetic factors.
- Acquired Genetic Factors: Certain genetic factors can occur spontaneously, such as exposure to environmental factors, radiation, or toxins; these mutations may allow cells to grow uncontrollably, leading to blood cancer.
- Age: Blood cancer risk can also increase with age; there is a much greater incidence of blood cancers in adults, although there are some cancers, for example, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, that are more common in children.
- Gender: Some blood cancers are biased toward a particular sex; for example, lymphomas have a bias toward males, and males and African Americans have a bias toward myelomas.
- Ionising radiation exposure: Long-term exposure to ionising radiation through prolonged medical treatments (e.g., radiation therapy) or environmental exposure may be associated with an increased risk of certain blood cancers developing.
- Chemical exposures: Certain chemicals, such as benzene and some pesticides, have been linked to an increased risk of developing blood cancers.
- Viral exposure: Certain viral infections have been linked to blood cancers. For instance, lymphomas have been linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposures.
- Problems with the immune system: Stated illnesses that compromise the immune response, such as autoimmune disorders or HIV/AIDS, may increase the risk of certain blood cancers developing.
- Previous cancer treatments: Those who have been treated for certain cancers with either chemotherapy or radiation therapy, etc., have been reported as at-risk of developing subsequent blood cancers.
- Chronic inflammatory conditions: Certain autoimmune diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions that may be risk factors for the development of blood cancers over time.
It's crucial to remember that many blood cancer patients have no recognised risk factors, and it's unclear exactly how genetic and environmental variables interact to cause blood cancer. You should speak with an oncologist or other healthcare provider if you are worried about your risk.
Why is Early Detection Important?
Early detection of blood cancer is essential for successful treatment outcomes. If blood cancer is diagnosed earlier, treatment is far more effective and less invasive.
Better Treatment Choices: Early detection of blood cancer can lead to more treatment options. There are many treatment choices for Blood Cancer: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation are a few treatment modalities.
Better Outcomes: In many instances, when blood cancer is detected early, patients can enter remission, where the tumour cannot be found in the body any longer.
Prevent Complications: Blood cancer can have complications like infections and bleeding issues, which could get worse if not treated early.
Quality of Life: Early detection of blood cancer may allow patients to maintain a better quality of life. By detecting cancer earlier, the patient can begin treatment sooner; most likely reducing severe symptoms, side effects, and consequences of blood cancer on their daily lives.
Blood Cancer Diagnosis
A blood cancer diagnosis involves assessing a patient's medical history, performing a thorough medical examination, and administering various diagnostic tests. That being said, the method of diagnosis may vary depending on the specific blood cancer suspected. This is the general process in which a blood cancer diagnosis may take place:
Medical History and Examination
The doctor will ask the patient about his or her symptoms, medical history, and family history of cancer, then conduct a physical examination to check for swelling in places like the lymph nodes, spleen, or liver.
Blood tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This exam measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. Abnormalities in any of these may suggest the possibility of blood cancer.
Peripheral blood smear: observing the person's red and white blood cells under a microscope. Observation for abnormal shape or size of blood cells might be significant.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is the removal of a sample of a person's bone marrow from usually the hip bone. The samples are examined for the possible presence of cancer cells and other abnormal cells, and give information about the kind (if any) dof isease and the extent of the disease.
Imaging studies
CT, MRI, or PET scans: Imaging studies can be used to assess the size and location of tumours, swollen lymph nodes, or other abnormalities.
X-rays are used to detect bone abnormalities.
Lymph node biopsy
When lymphoma is suspected, an enlarged lymph node may be biopsied to examine the cells and make a diagnosis.
Cytogenetic testing
Cytogenetic testing examines the chromosomes in the cancer cells for abnormalities or mutations that are commonly found in particular blood cancers.
Flow cytometry
Flow cytometry is primarily used to investigate characteristics of cancer cells, and as such, it is instrumental in recognising various types of leukaemia or lymphoma.
Molecular testing
Molecular testing identifies specific genetic changes and mutations in the DNA found in cancer cells, providing prognostic information, including prior treatment responses.
Lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture may be performed to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for leukaemia or lymphoma in cases involving the central nervous system.
Histopathology
Histopathology examines tissue samples removed from the body under a microscope to investigate the structure and characteristics of the cancer cells.
Staging
Further testing may be performed once a diagnosis is made to find out the extent of the cancer in the body and the stage.
Risk Factors:
Some things might increase your risk of blood cancer:
Your Age. Your risk of developing a condition increases as you age.
Your Sex. Blood Cancer is more likely in men.
Smoking. Smoking, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke, may increase your risk factor.
Exposure to toxic chemicals. If you have long-term exposure to benzene or formaldehyde, you may be at greater risk. You would be more likely to be exposed to these chemicals if you work in an area that is higher risk, for example, if you work in manufacturing.
Past cancer treatment. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the past can increase your risk of blood cancer.
Family history. Some blood cancers may be hereditary. Most people who are diagnosed with blood cancer do not have a family member with blood cancer.
Other conditions. Multiple autoimmune diseases, long-term inflammation issues, or some genetic conditions increase your blood cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
There live the blind texts separated they right at the coast of the Semantics.
In India, the price of treating blood cancer can vary greatly, from $1,200 to $60,000 or more, depending on the hospital, treatment plan, cancer kind, and stage. The cost of bone marrow transplants can vary from $12,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the institution and procedure, while chemotherapy might cost anywhere from $1,200 to $6,000.
It is possible to survive for 20 years or longer with certain types of blood cancer, though this relies on the cancer's stage, the patient's age and general health, the treatment's efficacy, and other factors. With appropriate care and treatment, individuals with many blood malignancies can live for long periods—sometimes decades—because many diseases are now classified as chronic illnesses.
Indeed, with early identification and new treatment options like stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy, blood cancer is becoming more and more treatable in India. Many people with blood cancer can achieve remission and have healthy lives. However, the precise type of blood cancer, the stage at diagnosis, and the patient's general health can all affect the severity and curability.