Blood Cancer
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Source: American Society of Hematology
Blood cancers affect the production and function of your blood cells. Most of these cancers start in your bone marrow, where blood is produced. Stem cells in your bone marrow mature and develop into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. In most blood cancers, the normal blood cell development process is interrupted by uncontrolled growth of an abnormal type of blood cell. These abnormal blood cells, or cancerous cells, prevent your blood from performing many of its functions, like fighting off infections or preventing serious bleeding.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness month. In observance of this month, we’re sharing some knowledge on what blood cancer is, and the differences between healthy blood cells and cancer blood cells. The Heptner Cancer Center at Campbell County Memorial Hospital provides advanced facilities and comprehensive treatment programs, including Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for patients in the Northeastern Wyoming region. For more information, visit our website or call 307.688.1900.
There are three main types of blood cancers:
Leukemia, a type of cancer found in your blood and bone marrow, is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. The high number of abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection, and they impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which removes excess fluids from your body and produces immune cells. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that fight infection. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in your lymph nodes and other tissues. Over time, these cancerous cells impair your immune system.
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies in your body. Myeloma cells prevent the normal production of antibodies, leaving your body's immune system weakened and susceptible to infection.
Cancer Cells vs. Healthy Cells