Hematological oncology? Basics and more..
Overview
Multiple genetic alterations occur in cancer cells as they grow. There are several potential causes for these alterations. A person's lifestyle choices, parental DNA, and environmental exposure to cancer-causing chemicals can all have an impact. There is frequently no evident cause. When a cancer is discovered, tests are performed to determine its size and if it has spread from the original site. The cancer stage is what we refer to as. A lower stage of cancer (stage 1 or 2) indicates that it has not spread far. A higher number (such a stage 3 or 4) denotes more spread. The highest stage is 4.
The optimum therapy for a person depends greatly on the cancer's stage. Inquire with your doctor about the stage of your cancer and what it implies for you.
Now that we have a basic understanding of how cancer works, and how the body responds to it, let’s take a look at one of the lesser known types of cancer : Hematological Oncology.
Most of us know about hematology and oncology as separate fields but Hematological oncology integrates the study of cancer and the study of the blood, two different medical specialties. Blood malignancies and conditions connected to the blood are treated, diagnosed, and prevented by hematologic oncologists. Hematologic malignancies are distinct from other cancers in that they arise in the body's blood cells and occasionally do not result in tumors. While some hematology oncology centers have professionals who are skilled at treating solid tumors, the majority do not treat cancers that can be surgically removed, such as breast or lung cancer. Another treatment for hematological cancers is stem cell transplantation. This is a relatively new and a very effective treatment option used by many hematology oncology centers.
A blood test you received may have shown an anomaly that led to a referral to a hematologic oncologist. Red blood cells transfer oxygen from the lungs to the heart and other organs, platelets clot blood and stop uncontrolled bleeding, and plasma transports waste products to the kidneys and liver. White blood cells combat infection.
A hematologic oncologist would then look for symptoms of blood cancer or other blood diseases if a blood test revealed the presence of either too much or too little of any of these blood components. For instance, multiple myeloma can form in the bone marrow's plasma, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma grow in the white blood cells known as lymphocytes.
The type of blood cancer you have, your age, how quickly it is spreading, and where it has spread are just a few of the variables that will affect your treatment. Your hematologist and cancer-specialist will create a thorough treatment strategy in collaboration with the rest of the cancer care team that will cover:
Targeted therapy
Chemotherapy
Radiation treatment
CAR T-cell treatment - one type of immunotherapy.
Stem cell transplant
Your cancer care team may suggest a variety of supportive care services, such as nutritional and/or naturopathic assistance, pain management, psychological counselling, and physical therapy, to help lessen or prevent the adverse effects of your treatment and hasten your recovery.
Hematological Oncology may not be discussed as often as some other cancers such as lung cancer, etc. but it is certainly a complex area of medicine because it entails the usage of lots of resources and the role of several doctors. One can also expect regular visits to the pathologist and later on professionals to help you with peripheral areas of your recovery. However, there has been great advancement in treatment of these cancers, so treatment can certainly be approached with an optimistic perspective.
