Blood Cancer
Bone marrow biopsy
The diagnosis of a blood cancer is definitively made through a bone marrow biopsy. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure that is performed in the ambulatory day unit in hospital.
Lymph Node Biopsy
The diagnosis of lymphoma will often require a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node. This can be felt as a lump under the skin. The biopsy is usually performed using a needle under radiological guidance. Sometimes, the entire lymph node will need to be removed surgically.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow starts making too many white blood cells (or leukaemia cells). There are many different types. It is divided into acute and chronic.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) encompass a heterogenous group of blood disorders characterised by abnormal and low blood counts. Most patients with MDS don’t require treatment. Sometimes, MDS can transform into acute myeloid leukaemia.
Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPN)
Myeloproliferative disorders (MPN) is a blood condition where the bone marrow makes too many blood cells. There are several different types of MPN.
Aplastic Anaemia
Aplastic anaemia is a condition where the bone marrow has a reduced ability to make blood cells, resulting in low blood counts. Sometimes, transfusions are required to maintain the blood counts.
Lymphoma
Lymphomas encompass a group of blood cancers that originate in the lymph nodes. These are an important part of the body’s immune system and are where lymphocytes live.
Multiple Myeloma & Plasma Cell Disorders
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer where the bone marrow makes too many abnormal plasma cells. It is characterised by the production of a “paraprotein”, which is an abnormal antibody. It manifests with anaemia, elevated calcium levels in the blood, kidney failure and/or bone lesions.