Elderly Care in San Mateo CA
Blood cancer is the result of an abnormal growth of red blood cells, lymphatic system cells, or bone marrow cells. Age is a risk factor for developing this form of cancer. If you do fear your loved 
Researching blood cancer will give you a better idea of whether or not your loved one is at risk. To get you started on your research, here is some information that will help you better understand this form of cancer.
Types of Blood Cancer
There is not just one common type of blood cancer, but four, including:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: This type of cancer develops in the lymphatic system from cells known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps the body ward off infections.
- Hodgkin lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma also develops in the lymphatic system from lymphocytes. The only difference between this type of cancer and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is Hodgkin lymphoma has an abnormal lymphocyte known as the Reed-Sternberg cell.
- Leukemia: Cancer that begins in blood-forming tissues.
- Multiple myeloma: This cancer starts in the blood’s plasma cells, which is a type of white blood cell that is used to create bone marrow.
Symptoms
If you fear your loved one has blood cancer, watch for the following symptoms and alert their doctor immediately if you or an elder care provider notices any of the following symptoms.
- Constantly fatigued and weak
- Fever and chills
- Unusual weight loss
- Pain in the bones or joints
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Frequently developing infections
- Itchy skin or the development of rashes
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or underarms
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
Treatments
The type of treatment your loved one would receive depends on the severity of their condition and the type of blood cancer they have. Some of the most common options are:
- Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are used to stop and kill the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Chemotherapy comes in the form of pills, injections in the veins, or sometimes a combination of both.
- Stem cell transplantation: Healthy blood-forming stem cells are infused into the body. These stem cells can be found in bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, or by circulating the blood.
- Radiation therapy: Cancerous cells can be killed through radiation, along with helping patients relieve pain or discomfort. In some cases, this treatment may be used prior to a stem cell transplant.
Cancer is a terrifying topic to discuss, but is a necessary one if you feel your loved one may be at risk. Talk to them about what symptoms they are experiencing and if their doctor should be contacted.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in San Mateo, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
Source:
http://www.cancercenter.com/terms/blood-cancers/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/150254-reasons-for-blood-cancer/
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