Blood Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types and PET-CT

Blood cancer, also known as hematologic cancer, affects the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. It occurs when abnormal blood cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting the function of normal blood cells. This type of cancer can be aggressive or slow-growing and requires prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment. Among the various diagnostic tools available, PET-CT scans play a crucial role in staging, monitoring, and evaluating treatment response in patients with blood cancer. Early diagnosis through advanced imaging significantly improves prognosis and treatment outcomes.

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancer begins in the bone marrow—the soft, spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. Abnormal growth of white blood cells (WBCs) often leads to blood cancers, impairing the body's ability to fight infection and carry oxygen. The three major types of blood cancers include Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma, each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches. Blood cancer is a systemic disease and may not form solid tumors, which makes imaging like PET-CT essential for detecting hidden sites of disease.

Types of Blood Cancer

Leukemia

• Affects bone marrow and blood
• Characterized by uncontrolled growth of white blood cells
• Can be acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-growing)

Lymphoma

• Begins in the lymphatic system
• Two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
• Often forms solid lymph node masses

Multiple Myeloma

• Originates in plasma cells (a type of white blood cell)
• Affects bone marrow and weakens bones
• Can lead to anemia, bone pain, and kidney issues

What Are the Symptoms of Blood Cancer?

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections or fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Bone pain or joint discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Night sweats

What Causes Blood Cancer?

While the exact cause is often unknown, several risk factors increase the likelihood of blood cancer:

• Genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities
• Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals (e.g., benzene)
• Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, HTLV-1)
• Family history of blood cancer
• Autoimmune disorders or weakened immune system
• Smoking and environmental toxins

How is Blood Cancer Diagnosed?

• Blood cancer diagnosis usually involves a combination of:

• Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC), blood smear, and molecular testing

• Bone marrow biopsy: To examine abnormal cell growth

• Lymph node biopsy: Especially in lymphoma cases

Imaging tests:

• PET-CT scan
• MRI
• CT scan
• Ultrasound (for lymph nodes or spleen)

Role of PET-CT in Blood Cancer Diagnosis and Management

PET-CT for blood cancer is a highly sensitive imaging technique that provides both functional and anatomical data. It plays a vital role in:

• Staging blood cancers (especially lymphoma)
• Evaluating response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy
• Detecting recurrence or residual disease
• Identifying bone or organ involvement
• Guiding radiation therapy planning
• Locating accessible biopsy sites
• Monitoring treatment effectiveness over time

PET-CT in lymphoma is especially valuable due to its ability to detect metabolic activity in lymph nodes and organs, even before structural changes occur.

Who Should Consider a PET-CT for Blood Cancer?

Doctors recommend PET-CT scans for blood cancer in these situations:

• Diagnosed lymphoma or suspected relapse
• Monitoring treatment response in leukemia or myeloma
• Assessing bone involvement or soft tissue spread
• Evaluating unexplained symptoms with abnormal blood counts
• Pre-transplant staging and post-treatment surveillance

Conclusion

Blood cancer is a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body's blood-forming tissues. While its symptoms may be vague, timely diagnosis using blood tests, biopsies, and advanced imaging like PET-CT scans is critical. PET-CT in blood cancer helps in precise staging, treatment planning, and monitoring the disease, especially in conditions like lymphoma and multiple myeloma. With early detection and personalized treatment, patients can achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life.