What is it about ?
Blood
Blood is made up of cells in particular: white blood cells, the Red cells and the platelets. All of these cells are made from ‘basic’ cells (stem cells) found in the bone marrow. Stem cells are immature cells, which can develop into several types of cells.
Lymphoid tissue
The lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. They are made in the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes, and are found in the blood.
Lymphocytes are part of lymphoid tissue. This tissue protects the body against germs. It is therefore an element of the body defense system (immune system). The blood carries lymphocytes to the site of infection.
Cancer of blood and lymphoid tissue
There are many different forms of cancer of the blood and lymphocytes:
- The leukemia and the myelodysplastic syndrome interfere with the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
- This can cause a lack of white blood cells and of red blood cells (anemia) and / or platelets.
- The lymphomas are characterized by a too many lymphocytes.
- They accumulate, most often in a lymph node.
- And cause, for example, swollen glands or enlargement (enlargement) of the spleen.
- In the Vaquez-Osler disease, the myelofibrosis and the essential thrombocythemia, the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells Where white Where too many platelets.
- As a result, the blood becomes thicker and more easily forms clots.
- In the multiple myeloma (Kahler’s disease), a certain type of lymphocyte proliferates in the bone marrow.
- The disease can lead to pain and damage to the bones.
Evolution and treatment
Some of these cancers grow very slowly and do not cause any symptoms. This is why it is not always necessary to undergo treatment during the first years.
Others, on the other hand, need urgent attention. Depending on the disease and its stage, the doctor will provide you with more information and offer you support.
How to recognize it?
It is strongly recommended to consult the general practitioner in the following cases:
- You are susceptible to infections ;
- You easily get a fever without an obvious cause;
- You often have swollen glands;
- You bleed easily and you quickly have blues.
How is the diagnosis made?
- The doctor begins by performing a physical examination thorough;
- Next, he takes a blood test to have it analyzed under a microscope;
- a bone marrow exam is usually also carried out after a spinal cord puncture ;
- In the case of lymphoma, the doctor will analyze the ganglion achieved.
Imaging exams
a CT scan or MRI is required for certain tumors. Imaging allows the doctor to estimate their severity and the chances of recovery. The size of the tumor determines the treatment needed.
What can your doctor do?
Severe bleeding, infection or thrombosis can be life threatening. In this case, the doctor must intervene immediately.
Specialist orientation
Depending on your symptoms and their severity, the doctor will refer you urgently or less urgently to thehospital and / or to a doctor specializing in blood diseases (hematologist).
Processing
Treatment depends on the type of tumor:
- Chemotherapy;
- Radiotherapy (rays);
- Administration of specific antibodies;
- Stem cell transplant.
Want to know more?
- The spinal and lumbar punctures, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- MRI – Erasme Hospital
- The scanner, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Chemotherapy – Foundation against cancer
- Radiotherapy – Foundation against cancer
- Receiving a stem cell transplant – canadian cancer society