Hematologic cancer

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Hematologic Cancer

Hematologic cancer (pronunciation: hee-muh-toh-loj-ik kan-ser) is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system. This broad term encompasses a diverse range of cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Etymology

The term "hematologic" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning blood and "logos" meaning study. The term "cancer" originates from the Latin word "cancer" meaning crab, due to the crab-like spread of the disease in the body.

Types of Hematologic Cancer

  • Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
  • Lymphoma: This type of cancer begins in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. Lymphoma is further divided into two categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Myeloma: Also known as multiple myeloma, this cancer affects the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces disease- and infection-fighting antibodies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of hematologic cancers include fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. However, symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific type of hematologic cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for hematologic cancers depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant.

See Also

External links

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