Blood Cancer is Not Always Fatal – There’s Hope with Treatment

Blood cancer, which includes the three main types—lymphoma, leukaemia, and myeloma—affects the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, disrupting the normal function of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets.

“For lymphoma, a lymph node biopsy is essential, which involves removing and examining lymph node tissue under a microscope to detect cancer cells,” explains Dr Tengku. “Imaging scans may follow to determine the tumour’s location and stage.”

He adds, “Diagnosing leukaemia or myeloma requires a bone marrow biopsy, which is a safe and quick procedure. After numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, a thin needle extracts a sample for testing. The procedure takes about half an hour, and patients can go home after a few hours of rest.”

Dr Tengku stresses, “Recognising early warning signs of cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in bowel or urinary habits, is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.”

He advises, “Regular health checkups, including blood tests, can help detect abnormalities and potential signs of cancer, including blood cancer. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.”

For full article, source : Sin Chew