The early diagnosis of blood cancers may be delayed due to the often subtle and nonspecific clinical presentation associated with blood cancers, highlighting the significance of routine healthcare. Clinicians can employ several diagnostic tests to diagnose the common types of blood cancers, including the types of lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Initially, clinicians may conduct a physical examination and check for swollen glands, enlarged spleen, or other abnormalities, such as bruising or signs of infection.
Various blood tests may also be ordered, including a complete blood count to detect abnormalities, including low or elevated leukocytes, low erythrocytes, low platelets, or other blood chemistry tests. For example, lactate dehydrogenase levels, which are typically measured through a blood test, can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by indicating tissue damage and assessing disease severity. Clinicians may also order a urinalysis to detect any abnormalities.
Other tests may include bone marrow biopsy, imaging tests including computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography scans, x-rays, or ultrasounds. In addition, lymph node biopsies, lumbar punctures, or peripheral blood smears that analyze blood samples under a microscope can confirm a suspected diagnosis or determine a specific type of lymphoma.
Through routine healthcare and expanding awareness about the signs and symptoms associated with the most common types of blood cancers, the potential to detect these cancers early on may increase. This may result in more effective treatments and improving clinical outcomes, depending upon other patient factors, such as overall health and other comorbidities.
More information on the measures and diagnostics used to diagnose blood cancers can be found on the National Institute of Health Cancer Institute website.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.
